Sergio Perez says he considered driving for Renault next year, but insists Force India is the best place for him next season.
Perez's new deal was confirmed ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend and will see him stay at the team in 2016 with an option to continue in 2017. The delay in the announcement triggered speculation that he might take up a drive with Renault next year should it finally seal a deal to buy the Lotus F1 team, but Perez believes he made the right choice.
"It [Renault] obviously was a serious option, but not for me," Perez said. "I made my mind clear knowing the prospect of the team and knowing what is happening in the back side, that is why I wanted to stay. I am very happy to stay.
"You always listen to other options and offers, so if Renault come they are an attractive team, but at the moment I knew that the best for me and the best place available is staying here."
Asked why he had chosen Force India, Perez added: "I am happy here and I believe in the team. I think the team has very good prospects for the future. We are improving on what we had last year, so I see no reason why we cannot do better than this year.
"I think the team is finding more stability in all the aspects, which is definitely important for us. That made me feel very comfortable with my decision and I am happy to confirm it now."
Perez said Force India's Mercedes engine deal was also a factor in his decision.
"It is an important one. You have at the very least one of the most competitive engines out there. With the rest, you don't know what is coming next year. The most important thing is knowing what is going on behind the team. Don't forget that we have had only two days with the new car so I expect for next year we are already doing some good work with it. It will be a very good year for us."