Williams have again talked up the prospect of a Jenson Button return in 2017 - but insist they won't be "waiting around" for the McLaren driver.
Button, 36, is out of contract at the end of this season and has been consistently linked with the Grove team, who he began his Formula 1 career with in 2000, with Felipe Massa expected to depart.
Although McLaren have Stoffel Vandoorne waiting in the wings and Fernando Alonso signed up for another year, chairman Ron Dennis says they won't be talking about their driver line-up until September or October.
Button could yet pursue a venture outside of F1 but the Brit's former team are eager to press on with their decision-making process over the summer break, with Claire Williams recently admitting to Sky Sports F1 that "there are lots of drivers available".
And citing the appeal of prolonging Button's career into an 18th successive campaign, the deputy team principal told Press Association Sport: "We will own our driver line-up decision, and I am not sat here waiting for Ron Dennis to make his decision or for Jenson to make his decision.
"It it is not about what other people are doing. I am not going to be waiting around because that is just not the right mentality for a team like ours to have.
"It would be a great story, but he has to make the right choice for him, and we have to make the right choice for the team. He is a great talent in the car, but also outside of the car and we need a driver like him."
A move back to Williams could see Button link up with Valtteri Bottas, who the Grove team are keen to retain for a fifth season, though the Finn is also reportedly interesting Renault - along with Perez.
Williams are similarly keeping an eye on Perez, with the Mexican delivering three podiums for Force India in a hugely impressive campaign. He would also bring significant backing, and despite his team's claims, has yet to commit his future.
"Sergio has done a great job this year, he is an intelligent driver, and of course he is going to be someone we are looking at," Williams added.
"I have only met him briefly on the odd occasion. He is very charming. He is very eloquent, so commercially he would be strong for any team. Of course he is going to be someone you'd consider if he is available."
Don't miss the F1 Report: German GP review and half-term report on Wednesday at 8.30pm on Sky F1 with Natalie Pinkham, Marc Priestley and Mike Gascoyne
Resource: skysports.com
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