Perez: I was never interested in McLaren return

McLaren team chief Zak Brown intimated that several drivers were approached to replace departing Fernando Alonso. including the likes of Kimi Raikkonen, Daniel Ricciardo and supposedly Perez.

But when speaking to BBC, the Mexican is adamant that his former team were after him and not the other way around, “There was interest but it was on the part of McLaren, not mine. I already know where I want to be in the future.”

“I have already signed a contract and I’m not going to change anything. I never showed interest in them. I am satisfied with my situation and have no reason to leave. McLaren is in the process of reform and that will take a long time.”

“I think that if you can’t be with Mercedes or Ferrari, it’s hard to find a better team than the one I already work for,” added Perez who has yet to be confirmed as a Racing Point Force India driver for next season, but is expected to remain with the Pinks alongside the new team owner's son Lance Stroll.

Brown explained why he considered some of the big names before opting to promote teenager Norris to the McLaren race seat, "We've got the guy we wanted, we just wanted to be very diligent in our decision analysis of whether we felt he was ready to go."