“There’s only one option, I’ve said it before. I’ve been here so many years. I want to keep going. I think I’m at the peak of my career, but also want to keep going with a reason, with a plan, with a good project,” he said in the pre-race press conference.
“Right now we’re just waiting on the decision, what they [Red Bull] decide to do, so that’s out of my hands.”
Since losing his current drive, Perez has made clear that he is eager to step up to a top team once more following his early call-up to McLaren back in 2013 ending with a drop back down the order to Force India.
He equalled his career-best finish last time out in Turkey, finishing second and scoring the ninth podium finish of his career. Perez currently sits in fourth place in the drivers’ standings, behind the two Mercedes drivers and Verstappen and is 30 points ahead of Albon down in 9th.
“I’m just approaching these three races as usual, focus on the job, keep delivering, and the rest is out of my hands.
“Most drivers, they retire and after six months they want to do whatever is available. So I have to see. I’ve never experienced that.
“I think if I don’t have Formula 1 next year I don’t see myself doing anything else.”