Perez's father in bold claim over Red Bull future

Sergio Perez's father has claimed that he is the "most sought-after driver" in Formula 1, the six-time grand prix winner remains locked in contract talks with Red Bull.

Perez's deal expires at the end of the season, with the Mexican indicating that he expected his future to be sorted imminently when speaking after the Japanese Grand Prix.

He has enjoyed a strong start to the season, with four podiums from five races and sits second behind team leader Max Verstappen in the Drivers' Championship as Red Bull considers its options in the market.

Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson have been touted as possible candidates to partner Verstappen, but Antonio Perez has staked the case of his son.

"We will have Checo for 10 more years [in F1]," Perez's father, Antonio, told Relevo.

"He has many options and is the most sought-after driver in F1 today, above all, he is the one with the most sponsors, more than Max and [Lewis] Hamilton combined.

"Companies all over the world turn to him, the best promoter of anything in the world is Sergio Perez.

"There is never of his merchandise left because it always sells out quickly."

Red Bull's stance

The comments come after motorsport advisor Helmut Marko indicated that Perez had pushed for a three-year contract extension, which was rejected.

Perez has only been on short-term deals at Red Bull, signing his current contract just before his victory at the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix.

For Red Bull, Christian Horner has said that the team is not worried by how long it takes to settle on who will partner Verstappen.