Carlos Slim to buy Force India team, to become Mexican team

UPDATE With Guenter Steiner making statements that he is willing to race more Ferrari youngsters if asked, and with Carlos Slim rumored to be buying Force India how long before it's announced Esteban Gutierrez leaves Haas and races alongside fellow Mexican Sergio Perez for Force India…nee Team Mexico?

Carlos Slim to buy Force India?

09/08/16 (GMM) Sergio Perez is staying with Force India, amid rumors in Mexico that his backers may even buy the Silverstone based team.

It is now considered an open secret that, despite flirting with Renault, the on-form Perez is actually staying with Force India for 2017.

"The new contract is signed," sporting boss Otmar Szafnauer now confirms to Auto Motor und Sport. "He stays with us next year."

It is believed the deal was held up amid complex negotiations between the team and Perez's sponsors, headed by the Mexican telcom billionaire Carlos Slim.

The Mexican broadcaster Grupo Imagen announced this week that Slim is actually buying Force India, amid the troubles of current owners Vijay Mallya and Subrata Roy.

But a team spokesman told Speed Week: "This story from Mexico is pure speculation."