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Perez plans on 2018 F1 deal by Belgian GP

Sergio Perez hopes to have his future in Formula 1 sorted during the summer break as he hints at staying at Force India for 2018.

Perez, who joined Force India in 2014 from McLaren, has led the team's charge to fourth in the F1 world constructors' championship with points finishes in nine out of the 11 races so far this year. The Mexican driver had been linked with a potential switch to Ferrari if Kimi Raikkonen is to be dropped by the Italian manufacturer, but with strong rumours pointing the Finn to a 2018 contract with Ferrari, Perez is keen to continue with Force India next season.

The 27-year-old confirmed in Hungary he hopes to have a deal for 2018 sorted during the summer break and when pressed about staying with Force India the Mexican driver supported the calls.

"In terms of my future, I just hope that once I come back to the next race, after the summer break, I can have a new contract," Perez said. "That would be good you know, but you never know what will happen."

Perez has been impressed by the progress Force India has produced since he joined the team four seasons ago and feels it's taken a step forward this year by strengthening its hold on fourth in the F1 world championship. The Silverstone-based team holds a 60-point advantage over Williams thanks to its double points finish in Hungary.

"I think the team has been moving forwards every year," he said. "Although last year we achieved the same position which we have now which is fourth, I think we have consolidated that four place.

"I think the team is moving forwards; there is a lot more interest in terms of sponsorship into the team, more investment but it's not easy to make the next step with the big boys, with the big teams, it's not easy."

Zdroj: crash.net