AUGUST 26, 2016

Perez plays down Renault sponsor clash

Sergio Perez has played down suggestions a clash of sponsors could thwart his next move in formula one.

Sergio Perez has played down suggestions a clash of sponsors could thwart his next move in formula one.

It is believed the on-form Mexican is toying with a move from Force India to Renault for 2017.

Perez is strongly backed by the Mexican billionaire Carlos Sainz, who promotes his Telmex-linked companies in F1.

But it is rumoured Renault could change from yellow to blue for 2017, amid reports linking the French marque with a title sponsorship by Movistar, a major Spanish mobile operator.

Telmex and Movistar are direct competitors, so when asked about a potential clash, Perez said at Spa: "When I moved to McLaren, Vodafone was one of the sponsors but it was not an obstacle.

"There are many companies in the Telmex family, so there will always be a way for sponsors to not be an obstacle," he added.

Perez, however, is refusing to say that he is definitely leaving Force India, and sounded apologetic that he is currently unable to commit.

"The decision is not just mine," he said. "It's not that I want to leave the team -- I've always said I like it here, I feel comfortable and I believe in the future of Force India.

"I do not want to go into contract details, but hopefully after some time, a decision will be taken."

(GMM)