Perez signs one-year extension at Force India

Sergio Perez has singed a one-year contract extension to remain with Force India for the 2018 season.

The Mexican was out of contract at the end of the year and understood to have been in talks with Renault as well as Williams, but has opted to remain at Force India after scoring four podiums over the past four seasons.

"Staying with Sahara Force India was always my priority," Perez said. "It's a team that has allowed me to show my talents as a driver and I feel very happy here. I'm proud of everything we have already achieved together and I think there is more to come.

"The team has done an amazing job this year to develop the car and establish our position as the fourth-best team in Formula 1. In the end it was an easy decision to continue our journey together."

The confirmation of Perez means Force India will field an unchanged driver line-up in 2018, with Esteban Ocon already confirmed on a multi-year contract. The pair have both scored points on 10 occasions this season, but have also clashed on track in both Azerbaijan and Belgium.

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Perez currently sits seventh in the drivers' championship – the same position he secured last season – and Force India team principal Vijay Mallya says the consistency provided by the drivers is crucial to trying to continue his team's success.

"Sergio has played an important role in our success story over the last few years," Mallya said. "Since joining us in 2014, he has matured to become one of the quickest and most consistent drivers on the grid.

"His track record speaks for itself as the most successful Force India driver ever with four podiums. Alongside Esteban, retaining Sergio gives us stability going into next season and one of the most exciting driver pairings in Formula 1."

Confirmation of the contract extension comes two days after Renault announced Carlos Sainz will drive alongside Nico Hulkenberg next season.