Perez relaxed over 'rumours' Vettel will replace him
Friday, 17 July 2020
The Mexican is still under contract with Racing Point.
Racing Point driver Sergio Perez knows there are no guarantees he will be kept on for 2021, but reiterated he is under contract amid reports linking Sebastian Vettel with his seat.
Bild reported that Vettel has had talks over a potential move to a team that will be rebranded to become Aston Martin in the next Formula 1® season.
There has been almost non-stop speculation over Vettel's future since it was announced he will not be kept on by Ferrari in May.
Racing Point team principal Otmar Szafnauer last week stated that it was flattering for Vettel to be talked of as a potential driver for the Silverstone-based squad, but both Perez and Lance Stroll have long-term deals.
Perez is not worried that he may be deemed surplus to requirements.
"As far as I know, I have a contract," the Mexican said ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.
"The answers to these questions will only be a matter of time. Let's see what happens in the coming weeks.
"But from my point of view, I have a contract with the team and I fully believe in the future of the team."
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Perez revealed he has been contacted by a rival team following the speculation over Vettel being targeted by his current employers.
"I know that during the week the rumours came out and we actually got contacted by a team in the paddock. I won't say names," said the 30-year-old.
"Also other teams in other categories, which was quite a surprise because we have a contract for the next few years here but at the moment they are just rumours around.
"It's part of the game. The team has taken a good step forward so it's now. It's good to have big names related to the team because that means we are making a good job, we are making progress, and I think the team should be proud of it. And the rest, I've been in F1® for 10 years so I'm used to this stuff."
