Sergio Perez Re-Signs with Force India for 2019

Sergio Perez has agreed a new contract with Force India and will remain with the team for the F1 2019 season.

Force India confirmed the Mexican’s one-year renewal on Thursday ahead of the United States GP.

“I am very happy to finally announce my future and I’m really motivated for 2019,” said Perez, who is currently seventh in the drivers’ standings.

“Force India has been my home since 2014 and has allowed me to grow as a driver and show my skills on track. We have achieved so much success in the last five seasons but I think the best is yet to come.”

Force India have not yet confirmed who Perez’s team-mate will be but it is expected to be Williams’ Lance Stroll, whose father led a buyout of the team earlier this year.

Stroll’s arrival would leave current Force India driver Esteban Ocon without a seat.

Perez has enjoyed an impressive five seasons with the Silverstone outfit, scoring 491 points and achieving five podiums, while building his reputation as one of the grid’s most consistent and underrated drivers.

He even helped Force India when they were in financial need earlier this year, starting administration proceedings against the team as one of the creditors to “save the jobs” of their 400-strong workforce.

Lawrence Stroll led a consortium that bought the team soon after.

“The new investment the team is enjoying fills me with confidence and I am really excited about the future,” added Perez.

The team are delighted to retain the Mexican for one more season. Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal & CEO of Racing Point Force India said “I’m pleased that Sergio will continue his journey with us in 2019. Over the last five years, Sergio has confirmed his position as one of the most talented and consistent drivers on the Formula One grid. He gives us valuable stability going forward and is a huge asset to the team. As we begin an exciting new chapter in the life of this team, we are delighted that Sergio will race with us going forward.”