Perez 'lucky' to have a couple of options for 2019

40

Sergio Perez says there are alternatives to Force India for 2019, although the Mexican sees the Silverstone-based outfit as his best bet for next year.

Force India's future has been secured by a consortium of investors led by billionaire Lawrence Stroll, but the Canadian's involvement will almost certainly lead to his son's switch next season from Williams to Force India.

That obviously implies that either Perez or current team mate Esteban Ocon will leave the team. The former brings a significant sponsorship package to the outfit estimated at about $15 million while the latter enjoys the backing of Mercedes.

Force India's Szafnauer relieved after anxiety-ridden period

Perez says he will be weighing his options in the coming weeks, with several opportunities in the pipeline.

"I'm lucky enough to have a couple of options." he said.

"Obviously we all want to be driving in the top two teams, Ferrari or Mercedes.

"But it's very unlikely that I'll have an opportunity there for next year, so you have to look at what is the best option for your future where you can show your best talents.

"The last two years, the best of the rest in the drivers' championship. I just want to see what's possible for next year, which teams have a vacancy, and then decide," he added.

"I will definitely wait to see what happens here, because I believe this team has the most potential of anyone out there out of the top three teams."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.