Sergio Perez believes that the future prospects of Racing Point made it a logical decision to stay for another season. The Mexican penned another one-year deal with the Silverstone squad, with 2019 to be his sixth year at the team.
Its predecessor Force India ran into financial issues in 2018 and fell into administration prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll bought out the squad, securing its long-term future in Formula 1.
Perez was rumoured to be contemplating leaving the team, and is believed to have held talks with Haas and dicussions over a potential return to McLaren. While he has no doubt that the latter is a "great team", he believes that Racing Point has a better future ahead.
"McLaren is a great team, it is lacking a bit of time, but what convinced me more is the future here," said Perez. "I've been in this team so many years, I feel so comfortable and I see a bright future.
"I got involved so much with the team, with the administration process, new ownership and so on, so I felt that there is more that I have to do for this team and was very happy to commit for another year. I am ready to put all my best years in the team and go to the next step together. That is the main target for us."
Force India was the only constructor outside the top three to claim a podium finish in 2018, with Perez finishing in P3 at Baku. The team was able to compete at the front of the midfield for much of the season, which surprised Perez amid its struggles.
"I am [surprised] with our performance, how close we are, including all the issues we had," he said. "We should be nowhere by now. But to be where we are right now, it is impressive, and I think everyone should be very worried for next year on us.
"Now it's the time when we all have to deliver on another level. We have to release all the potential and that is a big thing for us."
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