Force India driver Sergio Perez says he is close to signing a deal for the 2018 Formula One season and has two options to choose from. Perez, in his fourth season for Force India, could either stay where he is or can be a replacement for Felipe Massa, who came out of retirement to race this season. The Mexican has scored four out of the five podiums in Force India’s history.
“I have two options to be quite frank but I don’t want to comment too much on those. I am really close to signing the contract. But as I said, until it is not signed, it is pure speculation,” said Perez, ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend.
Perez had secured another year with Force India at the Malaysian Grand Prix last year. This time, it will be done before that, he said. “That was the case last year. I think it will be earlier than that.”
The midfield team has enjoyed unprecedented success in the past 24 months. It finished fourth for the first time ever in 2016 and is currently sitting comfortably in the same position. “Even in the position that I am in, a team that is fourth two years consecutive, I think next year it is going to be a massive challenge to keep that. Looking at the opportunities that are around, there is not really a seat in a top team or to move up the grid.
“So, it is difficult to figure out what to do, given that the driver market is not moving too much at the moment. But I think Force India is a team that is definitely capable of giving you a car to show your talent and that is very important. Let’s see what happens but, I definitely feel that it is a great place for me,” he said.
The top three teams — Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, have already announced their line-up for the next season.
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