Only yesterday morning, websites were running stories claiming that Sergio Perez' 2021 seat at Racing Point was safe as they speculated on Sebastian Vettel's future.

Meanwhile, the Mexican was receiving a phone call from team owner, Lawrence Stroll who informed him that, despite having a contract, he was not part of the team's plans for next year. Later that day the F1 world was let in on the news.

"Nobody told me anything," Perez told reporters at Mugello today, "but I already knew and figured out a couple of things.

"The final confirmation came yesterday," he continued. "It's fine... seven years with the team. Everything has a beginning and also an end and we still have nine races to make each other very proud.

"There were some discussions in the background about contracts and so on which I am not willing to disclose," he added, "because I think those things should remain between the team and myself. But there were a couple of things in the contract that we went through and they just officially told me yesterday that I am not continuing. I didn't expect that but it's how it is."

Asked if he would have preferred to have known sooner, what with speculation linking Vettel with the seat having been rife for the last couple of months, along with the team's denials, and if he was disappointed with how it had been handled, Perez said: "I wouldn't say disappointed in that regard because obviously I understand the team has the negotiations going on and they took probably longer than I thought.

"Probably a bit more clarity would have helped regarding my future," he admitted, "because then I would have looked for a plan B, which probably wouldn't have changed anything.

"I've been long enough in this business, it's part of this crazy world called F1," he laughed. "I think a better opportunity came to the team, to the brand, so there's nothing I can do. It's not a performance-related thing so as a driver there is not much I can do or think back."

The Mexican is currently linked with both Alfa Romeo and Haas, his sizeable sponsorship roster - along with his obvious talent - likely to attractive to both teams, especially the American outfit.

I think everything is an option right now," said the Mexican, when asked what options he has. "My main target is to remain in F1, I feel that I am still very young and hungry and I want to carry on in Formula 1.

"But it has to be the right package," he quickly added, "a package that really gives me the maximum motivation to give my 100 per cent every single lap.

"I think it's also going to be a long-term project, targeting 2022, there I expect the rule changing to play a major effect. So that's the main reason that I want to continue for 2022 because I feel there can be plenty of opportunities.

"I certainly think 2021 can be a difficult year in that regard but you never know. There certainly are options out there and I don't expect to make a decision any time soon.

"I will take the time that I require and if I don't find anything in F1 then I will think about the other series, other things. We'll see."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Great_white_shark, 11/09/2020 3:23

"@kenji my thoughts exactly. I am surprised to see words like "class act" and "team player" used to described Perez. I think F1 fans have a short memory. I remember Ocon giving diplomatic answers every time he had an incident on track with Perez whereas Perez would publicly slate Ocon and the team regardless of who was at fault. I remember him getting impatient on the radio and crashing into the back of a couple of cars out of sheer frustration in Singapore I think? He is a solid, consistent driver but I am not sure I would want him in my team. "

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2. Posted by kenji, 11/09/2020 1:18

"Perez will only get another drive if he has Slim's cash to rely on. Yes, Perez has been around for quite a while and he is solid...but that's about it. He reminds me of Hulkenberg in many ways. Why hasn't he been picked up by a top team in the past? I recall when he left McLaren many years ago, an executive remarked that Perez was 'arrogant,thought that he was entitled and not a good fit'. Then we had all the argy bargy with Ocon in the Findia days as well!! TBH I would prefer to see another talented young driver enter the series than have Perez on track. He is a very wealthy guy so there is no worries about putting fruit on the sideboard. Indy car would be a better fit for him...."

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3. Posted by Prime minster, 10/09/2020 20:32

"Racing point will have a court case against them as Perez had and was sign on for one more year so I would be demanding extra money .

Who wants to know what under the racing point car , hehehe "

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4. Posted by Bill Hopgood, 10/09/2020 20:06

"So much for contracts but that's how things roll in the Piranha Club, just as the likes of Brendon Hartley.

Regarding where Perez could maybe end up?

This is where things get tricky as there is drivers coming through that are attached to manufacturers.

Alfa Tauri and Alfa Romeo look likely to take a Red Bull and Ferrari driver respectivley.

That leaves Haas and Williams.

The later will want to keep Russell and I'm not sure if the Latifi shareholding still stands.

My pick is Haas as they were lamenting the fact that the juniors were all attached to manufacturers.

Alfa could be an option if both current drivers are ditched as Perez had a good time at Sauber.

We'll all know when the music stops I suppose."

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5. Posted by pap_pap_c, 10/09/2020 18:39

"I would be throwing my toys out of the pram and whining like a baby, but Checo is a class act. From what I have observed over the years, he is a driver who can wring the most out of whatever car he is racing. I really wonder whether Racing Point/Aston Martin have made the right decision. I only wish there was a competitive seat still available for Perez to fill."

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6. Posted by @R1Racing71, 10/09/2020 18:36

"I'd stay away from anything with a Ferrari badge for next year.
TTFKA Williams however may be a nice fit?"

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7. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 10/09/2020 18:25

"Alfa would be a better fit. Perez is a good fit to promote Alfa Romeo in NASA. Haas seems to iffy they'll in it for the long haul."

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Perez: Nobody told me anything

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