Perez frustrated by lack of top team Formula 1 drive options
Sergio Perez says it is "frustrating" there are only one or two Formula 1 teams that can compete at the front, as the wait to confirm his future continues
Ferrari announced Kimi Raikkonen would stay on for another season earlier this week, while Valtteri Bottas is expected to be retained by Mercedes, meaning there are no free seats at the big teams.
When asked by Autosport if he was frustrated by the lack of options to make the step up from Force India, Perez said: "I think it's always the same case.
"If there is an opportunity in a top team, it's very rare. Look at Bottas, how he ended up at Mercedes [after Nico Rosberg retired].
"What is frustrating for me is the way the sport is at the moment, with a team or two teams being able to compete for the top and then there is a big margin behind you.
"If you're not in those two teams, it's very difficult. You're in the same position as everyone else around you."
Perez, who is currently in his fourth season with Force India, said in Hungary that he hoped to have a 2018 deal in place when the championship resumed this weekend at Spa.
But speaking at Spa, Perez said that has not happened.
"In life, you want many things," added the Mexican, who is believed to be on the radar of at least two rival teams.
"There has been a lot of development. Obviously, during the summer break, everyone takes a break and it's been very difficult to be in touch with the people, including myself as well.
"[There is] not a lot of news to report on that. Soon I can give you some more information but right now, there is nothing new."
Perez remains hopeful of a speedy conclusion but, as was the case last year, needs commercial deals with his sponsors to be put in place.
"I'm quite close [to agreeing a deal]," said Perez, who is seventh in the drivers' standings as the best-placed driver not in a Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull.
"Every deal I do involves my Mexican sponsors. Right now, they are in discussions.
"Hopefully soon, we can be in a position to announce something.
"It won't take too long. Hopefully once we go into Asia, I'll have my future secured, but I'm in no hurry.
"I know I'm in a good position. I want to focus on extracting the performance out of the car and have good weekends."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
F1 testing: Max Verstappen feels 'big difference' in 2018 Red Bull
Williams F1's Oliver Rowland to test Super Formula car at Suzuka
Why F1's under-fire rookie is already causing surprises
Red Bull in no rush to finalise 2025 F1 line-up
Perez: Red Bull can be more resilient to graining after Melbourne
The three factors behind Verstappen overturning Perez's real Suzuka advantage
Norris had no reason to apologise for China F1 sprint showing, says McLaren
Supercars New Zealand: Heimgartner splashes to Taupo opener victory
Hamilton: Norris would have been better off conceding in Turn 1
Leclerc: Sainz “over the limit” with defence in F1 Chinese GP sprint race
The short-term pain that hides a very real Williams improvement
How a Shanghai to Sheffield journey paved the way for China’s F1 hero
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments