Sergio Perez is staying with Force India, amid rumours 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."