Force India’s Perez Still Waiting for 2018 Contract

When the F1 summer break began, Force India’s Sergio Perez declared that his future would be sorted by the end of August. But it is now August 26th and there is no Force India contract beckoning. “Unfortunately there is nothing to report,” Perez said at Spa Francorchamps. “As you know, it’s not only my decision as what I do is coordinated with my sponsors. Hopefully there is more clarity by the time we go to Asia.”

The Mexican admitted that he was disappointed when Kimi Raikkonen renewed his Ferrari contract, thereby shutting the door for any future move to Ferrari (for the moment). “It was no surprise to me. It is virtually impossible to get into one of those top teams. (Mercedes driver Valtteri) Bottas was lucky (to get one of those top seats this year),” said Perez. “It’s sobering that there are only two teams that can win.”

He also spoke about his teammate Esteban Ocon who has been very impressive and has been regularly challenging Sergio. “I am not surprised by his performance, because these days young drivers are very well prepared for Formula 1 and that is especially true for him,” Perez said. “He knew a great deal more about F1 than I did when I started.”