Perez to confirm 2017 plans by Singapore GP

Sergio Perez says his Formula One future will be sorted out by the Singapore Grand Prix, which takes place in two weeks’ time.

Despite Force India team boss Vijay Mallya claiming the Mexican is contracted alongside Nico Hulkenberg for the 2017 season, Perez has been reluctant to confirm that a deal was in place. The 26-year-old, who joined the Silverstone-based outfit in 2014, even hinted at options outside Force India.

With his Mexican sponsors part of the decision-making process, Perez’ name has been linked to both Williams, where Felipe Massa just announced his retirement, and Renault over the past few months.

Asked whether there had been any progress on his future, the former Sauber and McLaren driver replied: “Yes, I hope to be set by Singapore. It looks like what is going to happen is what I always wanted so I am very happy for that. You will find out very soon.

Force India enters this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix on the back of a strong display at Spa-Francorchamps that allowed the team edge Williams for fourth in the Constructors’ championship. Perez expects this fight to go down to the wire and insists Force India’s successes are on merit.

“It’s not a miracle,” he added. “We have really worked over the last few years and finally this season we’ve seen the good progress. Last year, we managed to finish fifth in the Constructors’ and that was a massive achievement.

“We knew that to move forward would require a mega effort from everyone. There is still a long way to go in the season and it is not going to be easy to hold fourth but at least to be in this fight is a really good achievement for us. That's something that makes me really proud as well.”

Romain Grosjean column: Speed, sponsors and scheduling

2016 Italian Grand Prix preview

Technical snapshot - Belgium

Scene at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix

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