Hulkenberg announced last week that he will leave the Silverstone-based team to drive for Renault in 2017, ending a relationship with Perez that started in 2014.

As reported by Motorsport.com earlier today, Daniil Kvyat is high on the list of candidates to replace the German, alongside Esteban Ocon and Jolyon Palmer.

Perez says having a strong driver to replace Hulkenberg is important both for him and the team.

"I'm sure the team will make the best decision," Perez said. "I just hope that whoever comes, comes with the right attitude.

"Obviously a quick driver and with the attitude to work together for the team.

"That makes a huge difference, because if you have a driver who is too far off the pace then you just don't make the most out of the car, because you know that if you don't have a good lap you can still beat your teammate.

"I think for me it's very important to have the fastest possible teammate."

The Mexican praised Hulkenberg, saying he was the best teammate he has had in Formula 1.

"I worked with Nico for three years and I learned a lot from him and I'm looking forward to getting a new teammate and learning new things from a new driver," Perez added.

"I think our level on track was really closely matched and that means a lot to the team because we push the team forward and it benefits the team to have two drivers that are so closely matched together. That just helps the team.

"I'd say definitely Nico was the strongest teammate I've had up to date in Formula 1."

Perez, who was also linked to the Renault seat before the French squad signed Hulkenberg, said he was not surprised by his teammate's decision.

"I knew that if I didn't go there, Nico was very high on the list. So I kind of expected it," he said.

Additional reporting by Erwin Jaeggi