Sergio Perez says he is gaining in optimism that the future of Formula 1’s Mexican Grand Prix post-2019 will have a positive resolution.
Mexico re-joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2015 and immediately established itself as one of the most-popular events, attracting a large crowd on each occasion.
But a change of authority has led to doubts over whether public funding will continue to be used for the Grand Prix, leading to uncertainty regarding the future of the event.
Perez suggested during pre-season testing that the Mexican Grand Prix’s future was “not looking great”, but in Australia cut a more upbeat stance.
“It’s looking a bit more promising lately,” said Perez, who is Mexico’s only representative on the Formula 1 grid.
“I really hope that for Formula 1 that we don’t lose such a big venue, it’s been the best Grand Prix in the last four years and I hope we get to see the Grand Prix more often in the calendar.
“Also for my country I think we need Formula 1 because it’s a great exposure, it really shows how great is Mexico as a country, so I’m optimistic so I’m more optimistic than I used to be.
“There are some talks, I obviously don’t have the full details and it’s not my job to really comment on that. It’s just that things probably aren’t as bad as they were so there might be some hope.”
Mexico is one of five Grands Prix on the current calendar without a 2020 contract.
Events in Spain, Britain, Germany and Italy have also yet to secure their respective futures post-2019.
