Sergio Perez is understood to be seeking options away from Racing Point as rumours of Sebastian Vettel replacing him gather pace.
Earlier this week it was reported by German publication Bild and confirmed by other sources that team owner Lawrence Stroll has offered to sign the four-time world champion to coincide with the outfit being rebranded as Aston Martin next year.
To do this, he will activate a release clause in Perez’s current contract, which runs until the end of 2022, which allows the Canadian to buy out the deal if he opts to bring in a new driver.
ESPN Mexico is now reporting on what this could mean for their country’s driver going forward, with Perez’s manager Julian Jacobi said have been talking to other teams for “weeks” amid the speculation of Racing Point’s interest in Vettel.
Two destinations, in particular, are considered most likely…
The first is Alfa Romeo, a team Perez previously raced with under their previous Sauber name in 2011 and 2012, and who may have a seat to fill should Kimi Raikkonen retire at the end of this year.
The other is Haas, where the Mexican’s strong financial backing would be much-needed and where both drivers are out of contract, though Romain Grosjean is the name mentioned.
Whatever happens with Perez, however, it is suggested Racing Point are targeting a formal announcement of Vettel’s arrival on August 2, the date of the first race at Silverstone, where the team is based.