Share

Perez stays with Force India for 2016

Tokyo - Sergio Perez will race for the Force India team again in 2016 in an unchanged line-up with Nico Hulkenberg.

Perez said: "I am very happy to confirm that I will be staying with Sahara Force India. It means I can simply focus on the important stuff -- driving the car and scoring points for the team.

"Since coming here I've really grown as a driver and I feel I'm performing at my best."

Perez joined from McLaren at the end of 2013 and is currently the only Mexican on the starting grid.

Multi-year contract

Hulkenberg's extension had already been announced at the Mercedes-powered team, who are fifth in the championship. Perez has scored points in his last three races and is ninth overall.

While Perez had been expected to stay, after a multi-year contract was announced last year, there had been lingering speculation he could switch to Lotus if that struggling team is taken over by Renault.

However the Mexican, whose sponsors make a significant contribution to Force India's finances, had made continuity a priority.

Mexico is back on the F1 calendar this year for the first time since 1992 and the country could have two race drivers in 2016 with Ferrari reserve Esteban Gutierrez seen as a frontrunner for a seat at the new US-based Haas team.

With Perez confirmed, the main focus of the driver market is now on McLaren, Lotus and Haas.

Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion and Perez's former team mate, is expected to announce he is leaving McLaren and the sport after a season of struggle with an uncompetitive Honda engine.

Over at Lotus, who have so far confirmed only Pastor Maldonado, Romain Grosjean looks likely to leave for Ferrari-powered Haas.

Champions Mercedes, closest rivals Ferrari and Williams have announced unchanged lineups for 2016 while Red Bull already have Daniel Ricciardo and Russian Daniil Kvyat on long-term contracts.

There could be more movement on the engine side, however, with Red Bull talking to Ferrari about a supply for both them and sister team Toro Rosso after losing patience with underperforming Renault.

Lotus use Mercedes engines but Renault's arrival could see that supply going to tail-enders Manor Marussia, who are currently powered by Ferrari.

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2015 F1 season

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()