Perez and Force India agree extension for 2019

Force India did not say who the other driver would be, but that is assumed to be Canadian Lance Stroll whose billionaire father Lawrence heads a consortium that now controls the Silverstone-based outfit.

The Mexican’s contract extension also effectively means highly-rated French youngster Esteban Ocon, Perez’s teammate this season, will not be part of the racing line-up next year.

Perez, 28, played a major role in events leading to the takeover of the team in August and has said for some time that he had no concerns about his future and knew where he would be racing next year.

Force India, previously co-owned by financially-troubled Indian magnate Vijay Mallya, went into administration at the end of July after Perez made a claim for $4.01 million that was owed to him.

The action was supported by the team’s engine provider Mercedes and team sponsor BWT which were also owed significant sums.

The team, now known as Racing Point Force India to distinguish them from predecessors Sahara Force India, are expected to change name next year.

The Mexican, who joined Force India after a difficult year with McLaren after two seasons with Sauber, has had five podium finishes with the team including third in Azerbaijan last April.

The sport’s sole Mexican driver has also brought significant sponsorship. McLaren have meanwhile not had a top-three finish since the opening race of 2014.

Now, Ocon’s only remaining chance of racing in Formula 1 next season rests with Mercedes-powered Williams, Stroll’s current employers who have so far confirmed only Britain’s Formula Two leader George Russell.

Like Russell, Ocon also has a long-term Mercedes contract and is a talent the reigning champions are nurturing for the future.

Racing Point Force India is delighted to announce that Sergio Perez has agreed an extension to his contract and will race for the team in 2019.

Sergio Perez: “I am very happy to finally announce my future and I’m really motivated for 2019. Force India has been my home since 2014 and has allowed me to grow as a driver and show my skills on track. We have achieved so much success in the last five seasons but I think the best is yet to come. The new investment the team is enjoying fills me with confidence and I am really excited about the future.”

Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal & CEO of Racing Point Force India: “I’m pleased that Sergio will continue his journey with us in 2019. Over the last five years, Sergio has confirmed his position as one of the most talented and consistent drivers on the Formula One grid. He gives us valuable stability going forward and is a huge asset to the team. As we begin an exciting new chapter in the life of this team, we are delighted that Sergio will race with us going forward.”