Sergio Perez says he is finalising a deal to remain with Racing Point for the 2020 Formula 1 season, and wants to stay at the team on a long-term basis, as he nears a decision on his future.
Perez, following spells at Sauber and McLaren, linked up with Force India for 2014, has twice finished as the lead midfielder in the standings, while taking five podiums.
Perez played a part in the administration deal 12 months ago that rescued Force India, with the team re-entering the championship under the new Racing Point guise.
He has typically been on rolling one-year deals that involves an alignment between him, his sponsors, and the team.
“I think things are settling down, my priority will be to continue with the team,” he said.
“[The deal is] not done yet. We are finalising it. But you know in Formula 1 until it’s done it’s never done. [But] I see very good prospects for the future so I look forward to it.”
Racing Point, which was acquired by billionaire Lawrence Stroll – father on Perez’s team-mate Lance – has already outlined plans for the future in its bid to move up the grid.
This includes a switch to using Mercedes’ wind tunnel in Brackley, rather than Toyota’s Cologne unit, as well as plans to expand its current facility at Silverstone.
“I think now the prospect and the ambitions of the team is very good,” said Perez.
“I think it will be very good to get a long-term deal here because I see that the team is going forwards.
“I think it works both ways well, and we ideally would like to commit for a long-term deal, so hopefully we can work out the terms and everything.
“When you look around it’s definitely a good place to be. I’ve been [a] very long [time] with the team.
“I remember what a weekend I had last year and the administration process, I had all that here last year, so to come back here after one year and see where the team is and where the team is heading to I feel very proud of that.
“I definitely haven’t finished business, although I’ve been a long time with the team, I see more to come.”
