Racing Point Force India confirms Perez for 2019

David Bodapati October 18, 2018

766 1 minute read

Sergio Perez (MEX) Racing Point Force India F1 Team. Japanese Grand Prix, Thursday 4th October 2018. Suzuka, Japan.

File photo of Sergio Perez by Force India

Silverstone, 18 Oct 2018: Ahead of the F1 Grand Prix in Austin, Racing Point Force India announced that Sergio Perez has agreed for an extension to his contract and will race for the team in 2019. The Indian outfit formerly owned by now-beleaguered Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya ran into administration before it was acquired by a Canadian consortium, Racing Point led by F1 driver Lance Stroll’s father Lawrence Stroll. No decision on the second driver is taken yet amidst wide speculation that Lance Stroll would be moving from Williams to Force India for 2019.

Perez, was said to be instrumental in dragging the old team into administration as it owed him huge monies. It was reported that the new management had not only paid the Rs.25 crore due to Perez, but like last season, has also finished the deal with the Mexican driver’s sponsors before signing him for one more year.

Though Force India lost all the points it won with the previous team, it retained the name due to the use of the Force India Chassis and began afresh striving to keep up its mid-ladder status. The Force India name is unlikely to continue for 2019 season with the team which was born in 2007. Perez joined the team in 2014 and this his fifth year with Force India.

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

Sergio Perez: “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 the 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.”