Perez to stay at Force India in 2019

Force India has confirmed that Sergio Perez will remain with the team for a sixth consecutive year. The Mexican joined the Silverstone-based squad in 2014 after he was dropped from McLaren after a disappointing season.

Since joining Force India, he has bagged five podiums, with 2017 being his only year with the team in which he failed to record a top-three finish. Perez last scored a podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix earlier this year, where he capitalised on misfortunes from the front-runners.

“I am very happy to finally announce my future and I’m really motivated for 2019," the 28-year-old racer from Guadalajara said. "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. The new investment the team is enjoying fills me with confidence and I am really excited about the future.”

Perez was linked with a return to McLaren for 2019, however the Woking squad has filled its seats with Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. It is also understood he had very brief discussions with Haas before it decided to retain its driver line-up for 2019.

“I’m pleased that Sergio will continue his journey with us in 2019," said Force India team principal Otmar Szafnauer. "Over the last five years, Sergio has confirmed his position as one of the most talented and consistent drivers on the Formula 1 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,” he added.

Perez's teammate has not yet been confirmed, however it is expected that he will be joined at Force India by Lance Stroll. Stroll's father, Lawrence, pulled the team from administration over the summer break and now co-owns it along with a consortium of other investors.