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 confirmed to Auto Motor und Sport. "He stays with us next year."
It is believed that the deal was held up amid complex negotiations between the team and Perez's sponsors, headed by the Mexican telecom billionaire Carlos Slim.
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.
However, a team spokesman branded this "pure speculation", according to Speed Week.
