Sergio Perez is set for a fifth season at Force India signing up for the 2018 Formula 1 season, alongside Frenchman Esteban Ocon. The Mexican driver is the most successful driver for the Silverstone-based team.
Perez had said earlier in the week that he had two options for next year. But Force India announced an unchanged line-up for 2018, hours before the Singapore Grand Prix.
“Staying with Sahara Force India was always my priority. It’s a team that has allowed me to show my talent as a driver and I feel very happy here. I’m proud of everything we have already achieved together and I think there is more to come,” said Perez.
“The team has done an amazing job this year to develop the car and establish our position as the fourth best team in Formula One. In the end it was an easy decision to continue our journey together,” he added.
Perez has won four out of the five podiums in the team’s history. He is currently fourth in the driver standings with 58 points, three points ahead of teammate Ocon.
Team principal Vijay Mallya said Perez has played an important role in Force India’s progress which saw the team finishing an unprecedented fourth in 2016.
“Sergio has played an important role in our success story over the last few years. Since joining us in 2014, he has matured to become one of the quickest and most consistent drivers on the grid. His track record speaks for itself as the most successful Force India driver ever with four podiums,” said Mallya.
“Alongside Esteban, retaining Sergio gives us stability going into next season and one of the most exciting driver pairings in Formula 1,” he added.
Williams, Toro Rosso, McLaren and Sauber are yet to announce their driver line-up for the next season.
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