Perez gets fresh three-year F1 deal with Racing Point, runs to 2022

Perez has signed a three-year deal with Racing Point, which will keep him at the outfit through to 2022, likely alongside team-mate Lance Stroll.

"I'm very excited to extend my partnership with the team for the next three years," Perez said.

"I've been working together with this group of people for a long time now and they have become my second family.

"Together we have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success and we share the same passion for racing.

"I have been impressed with the direction the team has taken over the last 12 months and that gives me confidence for the future.

"I believe the best times are still to come and I look forward to celebrating plenty of podiums in the years ahead."

Perez joined the team that was then called Force India in 2014, after his sole season with McLaren.

Perez was linked to a potential Haas drive for next season - he held talks with the American team last year - and it has been suggested he had other options away from Racing Point.

He has established himself as one of the most desirable drivers in the F1 midfield because of the combination of his financial backing from Mexico and strong on-track performances.

Perez and Racing Point have had a difficult season so far, which is a legacy of the Force India financial complications from last year that were only resolved last August.

The Mexican is currently 16th in the 2019 drivers' standings, with 13 points to his name.

But Perez has talked positively about the Racing Point project's potential and the plans its owners have, such as the construction of an all-new development facility.

Both parties had previously intimated a deal was close, and it has now been confirmed on the eve of the Belgian Grand Prix.

"We know Sergio very well and it's great to confirm him on a long-term deal," said Racing Point team principal Otmar Szafnauer.

"Over the last six years we have seen him become a very complete driver with excellent qualifying speed and exceptional race craft.

"Sergio believes in the long-term vision of this project and getting his commitment until the end of 2022 gives us valuable consistency going forward.

"As the team continues to grow and develop it's important to have a driver with Sergio's level of experience, especially with new regulations on the horizon.

"The whole team is thrilled to continue working with Sergio and I believe we can enjoy great success together in the coming years."