Perez snubbed McLaren switch because of Racing Point's "bright future"

Racing Point driver Sergio Pérez has revealed he turned down a return to McLaren next season as he preferred to stay with his current team, as the Mexican thinks it has a "bright future" under the new ownership.

Pérez has a history at McLaren, as he drove for the Woking-based team in 2013 after having spent two years at Sauber. He didn't do well and left after that one year, almost leaving F1 entirely before Force India offered him a seat. He's been at the team ever since, and has been part of their rise through the ranks.

The Mexican actually put Force India into administration last July so they wouldn't have to file for bankruptcy, allowing the new Lawrence Stroll-led ownership to take charge of the team and changing its name to Racing Point.

All of Pérez's history at Racing Point is why he doesn't want to jump ship now, as he renewed his deal at the tail end of last year.

"McLaren is a great team, it is lacking a bit of time, but what convinced me more is the future here," the 28-year-old was quoted by F1i.com.

"I've been so many years in this team, I feel so comfortable and I see a bright future. And I got involved so much with the team, with the administration process, new ownership and so on, so I felt that there is more that I have to do for this team and I was very happy to commit for another year.

"I am ready to put all my best years in the team and ready to go together to the next step. That is the main target for us."