Perez ‘pretty convinced’ he will stay in F1
Sergio Perez's sponsors played no part in Red Bull's decision.
Sergio Perez remains “pretty convinced” he will find a Formula 1 drive for next year – ideally in a team with a “good project”.
The Mexican has been seeking a new employer ever since he heard he was being turfed out of the Racing Point team, after seven years, to make way for Sebastian Vettel.
Several constructors have been linked with Perez, including Haas and Red Bull, although the strongest recent whispers are for Williams – reported to be interested in bringing him in for George Russell due to the substantial sponsorship backing he receives.
Although Perez insists nothing has been finalised, he also recognises that as the season, and the calendar year, draws to a close, the time is approaching when he will need to get something nailed down for 2021 if he is to remain on the Formula 1 grid.
Checo's still coy on his future – but it sounds like some news might not be too far away 😐 🤔#PortugueseGP 🇵🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/GNbd82ND55
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 22, 2020
“I haven’t signed anything,” said Perez in his press conference on the eve of the Portuguese Grand Prix weekend at the Algarve International Circuit.
“At the moment there isn’t a lot to report. But the season is coming to an end, it’s getting close and I should be in a position to say something pretty soon I think.
“Things are going forward. But up to now, I don’t think there’s a lot of point giving away anything because I also want to keep my negotiations private. I think I have to be respectful of all the teams we are talking to, so there is no point discussing anything at the moment.”
Asked how many teams he was talking to, Perez replied: “There are not many teams out there, actually very few that have a good project – something that really puts me into the project. I want a project that really motivates me to give my all, 100%.
“I’m looking to stay in Formula 1. I’m not interested at the moment in anything else. If I don’t find anything here, I haven’t thought about it. I’m pretty convinced I will continue.
“I’m 30 years old, I’m in the prime of my career, so it’s hard for me to think of doing something else when I still feel my best years are ahead of me, so that’s the ultimate target.”
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