Perez thinks investment will take Force India to "next level"

Force India driver Sergio Perez believes his side can take "the next step" in 2019 because of the investment they received this season.

The team went into administration earlier this season, before Lawrence Stroll and his consortium took over Force India.

Perez believes that Stroll's investent will help Force India become a lot stronger next season.

"It's going to make a big difference where the team will start," the Mexican explained to Crash.net. "We generally have a good package but it comes really late in the season, we should be having a strong baseline from race one onwards, and that should make a big difference.

"Saying that, I can't take anything away from the team. We've been extremely successful with the limitation we've had, the last two years we've been best of the rest. The team has been fourth. There's plenty of encouragement and big expectations.

"I think (with) the level of investment, where the team is going to start the season, the develpment rate, we have to deliver to a new level. I hope we can make the next step."

Perez was then asked how close Force India can get to the top teams with Stroll's investment, and replied: "Lawrence is willing to put this team into the next step and the next step has to be the top three.

"You're fighting big budgets, big facilities but I believe with the right investment and guidance, this team can be one to watch for the new future. I'm optimistic that already next year, we should be making a good step forwards.

"Lawrence is really enthusiastic and very optimistic about the team and willing to take this team to the next level, he understands racing, he believes a lot in what he has bought. I want to be part of this next generation of the team, we have very promising times ahead of us."