Perez to continue racing for Force India

Racing Point Force India has confirmed that Sergio Perez has agreed to a contract extension that will see him race for the team in 2019. This will mark the Mexican driver’s sixth consecutive F1 season with the Silverstone-based team.

Since joining Force India in 2014, Perez has secured five third-place finishes with the team. He finished seventh in the drivers' standings in 2016 and 2017, and currently holds the same position this season.

“I am very happy to finally announce my future and I’m really motivated for 2019. 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,” said Perez.

Perez and his management team were heavily involved in the legal moves that led to the original team going into administration over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend and the subsequent purchase of its assets by the Racing Point consortium led by Lawrence Stroll. As one of the main creditors, Perez was owed more than $4 million by the original team, which has now been paid.

As has been the case in previous seasons, the team has waited to make an announcement until it had fully signed off deals with Perez's Mexican sponsors.

Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal & CEO of Racing Point Force India added: “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.”

While Perez is Force India's first confirmed driver for 2019, there is still no official news about Lance Stroll's anticipated move from Williams.