Sergio Perez has said he is not surprised that Ferrari opted to retain Kimi Raikkonen for 2017.
Perez, previously a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, was linked with the 2007 world champion's seat, but admits he expected that the Italian team would retain the Finn.
"I expected they would keep him," he told Auto Motor und Sport. "Life goes on. I will continue to prove that I'm ready for a top team."
Asked whether Ferrari had gone for a 'safe' option, Perez agreed that it is something top teams look for.
"The top teams sometimes look for other things, like stability or peace in the team," he said. "But I'm not a team boss and so it's difficult for me to comment on their choices."
However, Perez admits that hew is running out of time to secure a seat with a top team if he is to challenge for the championship.
"I knew before the season that it was an important year for me. A year that can decide my future," he said. "I am 26, so I'm not the youngest any more. If I'm not fighting to be world champion in the next few years, I would feel that my big dream will have failed. So it's important for me."
"There are so many good drivers and so few good cockpits. So I know that it's not only in my hands. I can only do my best."
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
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