Perez says 'big progress' made in securing Force India future

The Mexican's future at the Silverstone-based team has been the subject of intense speculation for weeks, as his bosses try to firm up commercial terms with Perez's backers.

And although Perez long ago signed a contract to race for Force India in 2017, his future there was not certain amid the sponsorship talks.

Sources suggest that one of the key focuses for the discussions that have taken place over the Malaysian weekend has been his salary, both in terms of wages for next year and payment of monies owed to him from the past.

And although the major commercial issues had been resolved, the salary matter has still to be sorted – but could be settled imminently allowing the deal to be complete.

Perez, who had been ready to consider a switch to Haas for next year to position himself well for a shot of a Ferrari race seat in 2018, says that he hopes Force India will be able to sort out the outstanding matters so an official confirmation that he is staying can be made.

"We did a lot of progress over my future this weekend," said Perez. "So I think very soon you will have an official announcement.

"I know what I am doing for my future, but I am not in a position to comment on that. There will be something official – and hopefully soon."

When asked I that meant that his 2017 race deal was finally done, Perez said: "I cannot really tell you more details, but I am pretty certain about what I am doing - so it is good."

Perez's teammate Nico Hulkenberg also has a contract for next year but is being sounded out by Renault about a deal for next year.