Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley concedes that both Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg could leave the team at the end of the season.

The two drivers have consistently finished in the points during the 2016 campaign, with Mexican ace Perez claiming podium finishes at the Monaco and European Grands Prix.

Both drivers are currently situated in the top ten of the Drivers’ Championship standings and Fernley concedes that the duo could leave the Indian outfit at the end of the year, but the team would only sanction a move, if one of the sports heavyweights made an approach.

“Checo (Perez) is on the verge, as is Nico, of maybe going to one of the championship-potential teams,” Fernley told Autosport. “We would be the first to wish them well.

But what we don’t want to see either of them do is make a sideways move.”

Fernley has been particularly impressed by the recent progress of Perez, who joined Force India from McLaren ahead of the 2014 season, and he believes there is no limit to the 26-year-old’s potential.

He added: “Whenever you give Checo an opportunity for a podium, he takes it. You can’t fault it. Over the last three years with us, his progression has been remarkable and he has settled in to be a real contender.”

The 2016 season is set to resume later this month with the Belgian Grand Prix taking place at Spa on August 28.