Force India in “critical” financial situation according to Pérez

Despite Vijay Mallya's denials at Silverstone at the beginning of the month, Force India remains in a precarious state financially, which has also delayed the introduction of developments on a poorly born but still greatly improved VJM11 since the winter tests.

It is rumored in particular that Force India has a hell of a slate at Mercedes, which has supplied it with engines since 2009. In the midst of these vicissitudes, the Silverstone-based team has still scored three double finishes in the points and is in a solid 5th place in the Manufacturers' standings.

« Right now, the situation is critical and it's no secret that financial concerns have slowed down the team's pace of development., said Pérez ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. However when we look at the results, and Formula 1 only the results count, we are 5th in the championship. And you can't imagine the money problems we have. This just demonstrates the great potential of this team. ».

According to articles published in the German press recently, the team is even on the verge of bankruptcy, while Lawrence Stroll, father of the driver Williams Lance stroll, was announced as a potential buyer with a view to placing his son. At the same time, the rumor mill sends Pérez and his Mexican supporters to the side of Haas. The main person concerned prefers to play watch when asked about the subject.

« I want to wait and see what happens in the coming weeks because I am convinced that Force India is a great team, replies Pérez, present in the stable since 2014. I'm not in a hurry because I know I'm in a good position. But the sooner the better, of course. I think that during the summer break, I will really have time to think about what I want to do next in my career. ».

Asked about the possible arrival of Pérez at Haas, Guenther Steiner, team principal of the American team, clarified that the talent of a driver takes precedence over his nationality when signing him. We will remember that Haas had driven the Mexican Esteban Gutiérrez alongside Romain Grosjean during his first 2016 campaign.