Sergio Perez says taking a sabbatical from Formula 1 in 2021 remains a possibility amid ongoing uncertainty over his future in the championship.
Racing Point has opted to recruit Sebastian Vettel in place of Perez for its rebrand into Aston Martin next year while potential avenues at some other teams have been closed.
Perez is understood to be in contention for a Red Bull seat if the team decides to dispense with Alexander Albon but a final call has yet to be made.
Only four rounds remain in the 2020 campaign, with the season ending in 32 days’ time in Abu Dhabi, and on Thursday Perez said “we will just have to wait and see.
“The season is coming soon to an end so as I said before until the teams don’t announce a driver, then everything is an option.
“Everything is so late now and it looks like I will know whether I continue in Formula 1 or not quite late in the year so I think a sabbatical – it’s an option. We will see what happens in the next couple of weeks.”
Perez, sixth in this year’s championship, says he would be relaxed with the situation if he did end up without a seat in 2021.
“There have been things that could have been better [in 2020], I should have two podiums already this season, I should have a lot more points,” he said.
“Missing two races is not ideal in such a short championship but overall I am pleased, especially with the level of consistency throughout the years.
“If it’s an injustice on missing out? I think it’s part of F1. I always knew this is how it is. I can call myself privileged. I’ve had a great career, 10 years in F1 up until now.
“If that was the case that I have to leave the sport I can leave with a lot of pride because I’ve delivered with the material I’ve had and not many people can have such a career. We will see what happens but I am in peace with myself.”
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