Sergio Perez says he is “keeping all the doors open” as he chases a 2021 Formula 1 seat but insists he is no hurry to finalise a deal.
Perez has competed for Racing Point – previously Force India – since 2014 but the team has opted to recruit Sebastian Vettel for next season.
Red Bull has yet to confirm the identity of Max Verstappen’s team-mate but has regularly intimated that it will keep hold of Alexander Albon.
It is understood that the prospects of Perez returning to Alfa Romeo – where he raced in 2011/12 – have reduced, with Kimi Raikkonen poised to stay on in the seat not influenced by Ferrari.
It ostensibly leaves Haas – which has yet to determine either of its drivers – as Perez’s main option.
“At the moment there’s nothing to report, nothing has been signed,” said Perez ahead of this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix.
“There has been some progress. I think it’s going to take a bit more time and I think in Formula 1 until you don’t have anything signed everything is in the air so nothing really to say.
“Right now it’s just a matter of keeping all the doors open and be patient as well. I am in no hurry so let’s see what comes up in the next couple of weeks.”
Perez will this weekend run Racing Point’s updated RP20 for the first time, having used the older specification car at Mugello and Sochi, due to a shortfall in components.
“It’s obviously going to be a tricky weekend with the weather,” said Perez.
“I think we will get some very little running to compare things and to learn from it.
“I think the car has been very competitive in the last couple of events so I hope we can carry on.”
