Perez to race with Force India in 2018

Force India have confirmed that Sergio Perez will continue racing with the team in 2018. The contract extension means the Silverstone-based squad will field an unchanged driver line-up next season, with Perez again driving alongside Esteban Ocon.

“Staying with Sahara Force India was always my priority,” said Perez, who has been with Force India since 2014. “It’s a team that has allowed me to show my talents as a driver and I feel very happy here. I’m proud of everything we have already achieved together and I think there is more to come.”

Force India are favourites to finish fourth in this year’s constructors’ championship, and Perez is a strong seventh in the driver standings, with only the men from the three front-running teams ahead of him.

“The team has done an amazing job this year to develop the car and establish our position as the fourth best team in Formula 1,” added Perez. “In the end it was an easy decision to continue our journey together.”

On retaining the Mexican for another year, Force India’s team principal and Managing Director, Vijay Mallya, commented: “Sergio has played an important role in our success story over the last few years. Since joining us in 2014, he has matured to become one of the quickest and most consistent drivers on the grid.

“His track record speaks for itself as the most successful Force India driver ever with four podiums. Alongside Esteban, retaining Sergio gives us stability going into next season and one of the most exciting driver pairings in Formula 1.”