Sergio Perez has revealed that the future of the Mexican Grand Prix is “not looking great”, amid ongoing uncertainty over the event.
Mexico re-joined the championship in 2015 but its contract expires at the end of 2019, but new governments in both the city and the country are reluctant to commit further money towards the event.
It ostensibly leaves event officials with a sizeable funding shortfall in their quest to secure the event’s long-term future.
“It’s not looking great, let’s say,” said Perez, who is the only Mexican driver on the Formula 1 grid.
“I really hope that we can get some good news later on. I think it’s very important for our country, it’s a great place for Formula 1, I mean the last four races they have been the best, a great venue.
“So I really hope we can keep Formula 1 there. There are so many countries out there that want a Grand Prix, so once you lose your venue I think it’s very hard to get it back for many years.”
Perez also expressed fears that the potential demise of the event would have a negative knock-on effect on the motorsport industry in his home country.
“Obviously if you don’t have… the Grand Prix created a lot of interest you know for the young generations to race in your home country,” he said.
“I mean the last… before the Mexican Grand Prix I spent probably 15 years without racing in Mexico so it’ll be a shame, a big shame for the new generations, for the sport, and for our country.”
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