Sergio Perez has emphasised that he holds a contract with Racing Point but revealed he has been contacted by a rival Formula 1 outfit, as speculation mounts over his future.
Reports originating from German media outlets have suggested that outgoing Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel is wanted by Racing Point for 2021.
Racing Point announced in mid-2019 that it had contracted Perez through until 2022 while Lance Stroll, son of owner Lawrence, is on a long-term deal.
“I think I’m with the team as far as I know,” said Perez on Thursday. “I have a contract. We will see what happens in the next weeks.
“From my point of view I’ve got a contract with the team, I fully believe in the future of the team.
“I know I’ve got a contract. I know that during the week there were obviously the rumours came out and we actually got contacted by a team in the paddock.
“I won’t say obviously names, and also other teams in other categories [got in touch], which was quite a surprise you know as we have a contract for the next years here, but at the moment they are just rumours around.
“Nothing more to add from my side other than we’ve got a contract in place.”
When asked whether the rumours provided an unwelcome distraction Perez said: “It’s part of the game.
“The team has taken a good step forward so it’s now… it’s good, you know, to have big names related to the team because that means we are making a good job, we are making progress, and I think the team should be proud of it.
“And the rest, I’ve been in F1 for 10 years so I’m used to this stuff.”
Stroll also emphasised that he is “determined to stay here” on a long-term basis, having joined the team in 2019, following two years at Williams.
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