Perez still a believer in Force India despite 'critical' financial plight

Sergio Perez says Force India's difficult financial situation is holding the team back, but the Mexican is still a believer in the team's potential.

The Silverstone-based outfit is the subject of much speculation in the paddock, with rumors of an impending administration process or an outright sale swirling around, although the team denied either scenario was about unfold.

For now, details are scarce but Chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer has admitted that Force India's state of affairs have put the team at risk of falling back in F1's development race.

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Perez echoed Szafnauer's concerns, but will continue to fight to keep the outfit in the midfield hunt.

"Well at the moment, the situation is critical. There's no secret the financial problems have held the team back quite a bit," Perez said in Hungary on Thursday..

"But when you look at the results - because Formula 1 is just about the results - we are fifth in the constructors' championship, and you cannot imagine the financial issues we've had so far.

"It just shows the potential that this team has."

Perez, whose current contract with the pink team expires at the end of the season and who has been linked to a possible move to Haas, insisted he wanted to learn more about Force India's affairs before considering a possible change of environment for 2019.

"I would like to see what happens in the coming weeks, months, whatever happens with the team, because I believe it is a great team," he added.

"I'm not in a hurry, because I know I'm in a good position. But the sooner the better.

"There is also a point on how long you can wait to make up your mind. I think now, during the summer break, I will have a good idea what's happening here.

"Then I will be able to make a clear decision."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.