Pérez thinks Racing Point will take next step: "Now it's the time"

Racing Point driver Sergio Pérez has issued a warning to the rest of the F1 grid, as the Mexican thinks the rest of the teams should be worried about the gains his team will make under the new ownership.

Pérez himself put Sahara Force India into administration in July last year, allowing the team to be taken over by new investors so it wouldn't go bankrupt.

Now the team's been revived by Lawrence Stroll, father of Lance Stroll, the team is very ambitious under new name Racing Point, as the Canadian billionaire brings the massive financial backing the team never had. 

Force India always had the smallest budget on the grid but always remained competitive, Pérez explains, meaning the team should take a leap forwards now they do have more funds.

I am surprised with our performance, you know, how close we are, including all the issues we had," the 28-year-old was quoted by F1i.com.

"We should be nowhere by now. But to be where we are right now, it is impressive, and I think everyone should be very worried for next year on us.

"Now it's the time when we all have to deliver on another level. We have to release all the potential and that is a big thing for us. We have to be ready, all the team, to go to the next step."

Racing Point Force India finished seventh in the championship last season, as all of their points were wiped ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix because of the name change.