Early in September 2020, the team Racing Point activated an exit clause to demote Sergio Perez, in order to make way for the four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel. That breach of Perez’ contract - which was expected to run until the end of 2022 - left the Mexican short of options as to where he would drive for the 2021 season.

Ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix, Perez was asked for an update on his future, to which he replied there was “nothing yet” to report. He added:

“We just have to wait and see, the season is coming soon to an end”

“As I’ve said before, until the teams announce their drivers, everything is an option. Every team that hasn't announced their line-up, it’s an option. So we will see.”

The Mexican however contemplated the shortness of the time left to him to sort his situation. Perez said accordingly:

“We are not that far from the season to end, so definitely I have to know my plans”

“I need to know what will happen on my side to be able to plan everything. It’s happening now too late, so we’re already close to December. There is not a lot more to add in that regard."

In the end, Perez acknowledged the possibility of taking a sabbatical, in case he didn’t find a seat for the 2021 season

“Everything is so late now, and it looks like I will know whether I continue in Formula 1 or not quite late in the year."

“So I think a sabbatical, it's an option. But we’ll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.”

Interrogated how far advanced talks were with Williams, Perez replied:

“I’ve always kept my talks private. I think it’s the way it always should be.

“More than that, there’s not a lot of points. Nothing happened, so I think there’s not a lot of point of discussion. There were some talks, but nothing more than that.”

In addition to the Williams lead, Perez was also rumored to be close to a deal with Red Bull. However, the potential negotiations seem to have hit a bone of contention.