Has Perez leaked new Red Bull contract?

Sergio Perez appeared to confirm he has signed a new contract with Red Bull after his success at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Fresh from taking the third win of his F1 career to become the most successful Mexican driver in the history of the sport, Perez dropped a bombshell on his way to the podium.

Embracing team principal Christian Horner, Perez said: "I probably signed too early."

In reaction, Horner could be heard laughing.

After joining the team last year, Perez's existing contract will expire at the end of the current season.

Asked about the comment in a subsequent press conference, Perez bizarrely explained: "I meant about the bottle of champagne. We'll find out."

Sitting alongside his team-mate after finishing third, Max Verstappen joked: "I think what you did today might help. Just a little bit."

Perez 'ticks Red Bull boxes'

Perez is just 15 points off Verstappen at the top of the drivers' standings, with his haul helping Red Bull to establish a 36-point margin over Ferrari in the constructors' battle.

"Checo has ticked a lot of boxes so I think there would be no reason to look outside of the driver pairing that we have," explained Horner when asked as to his driver line-up for next year.

"With the relevant time, we will inform you of what our plans are for next year.

"When there's something to say about Checo, we'll have it to say."

Additional reporting by Ian Parkes

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