Sergio Perez is approaching the end of the season with an increasingly uncertain future at Red Bull. Despite having signed a contract until 2025, the Mexican may no longer be Max Verstappen's teammate next year. His mistakes in Qatar, combined with an inconsistent season, have fueled speculation that Red Bull is considering alternatives, with Liam Lawson at the top of the list of possible replacements.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has hinted that Perez's future will be decided immediately after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Speaking in an interview in Qatar, Horner said:
“No one is forcing him one way or the other, but he is old enough and wise enough to know what the situation is.”
Qatar: Another misstep for Perez
The Qatar Grand Prix further compromised Perez's position. The weekend had started badly with the elimination in SQ1 during the Sprint Shootout, followed by a mistake at the green light in the pit lane in the Sprint Race. In the race, after an apparent comeback, the Mexican ended up in a spin behind the safety car, causing an overheated clutch that forced him to retire.
Horner did not hide his disappointment:
"Checo has contributed a lot to the team, but this has been a particularly difficult year for him.. Mistakes don’t help and we know the pressure is on.”
With Max Verstappen winning his fourth consecutive title despite the team's difficulties, the comparison between the two Red Bull drivers is increasingly merciless. While Verstappen takes home victories and points, Perez has not been able to maintain the pace, often out of Q3 and also in difficulty against the cars of rival teams. This is also demonstrated by his position in standings, eighth. The last of the drivers from the top 4 teams.
Perez's Future: Red Bull Towards Change?
Perez has publicly insisted that his contract ties him to the team until 2025, but Horner’s statements and rumours circulating in the paddock tell a different story. According to sources close to the team, Red Bull is working to find an agreement that would allow Perez to leave the seat without causing conflict.
Liam Lawson, who has impressed during his appearances with AlphaTauri, is the main candidate to replace Perez. Despite his inexperience, Lawson has shown solidity and a robust mental approach, qualities that Red Bull considers essential to partner a champion like Verstappen.
Horner then added that the situation will be clarified immediately after Abu Dhabi:
“We have a meeting with all the shareholders on the Monday after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It is a big decision, but we want to manage it in the best possible way.”
An uphill finish for Perez
Sergio Perez has had an intense four years at Red Bull, contributing to the 2022 and 2023 constructors’ championships and taking five wins. However, the 2024 season has shown his limitations, with results often falling short of expectations.
With his future set to be decided soon, Perez is faced with a choice: accept a possible agreed-upon exit or resist, knowing that the pressure on him is now unbearable. For Red Bull, the goal is clear: maximize the potential of the second seat to regain the lead, with or without Checo.
