The drivers' market is always ready to give us twists and turns. After the chaotic seat swap in the 2022 season and Lewis Hamilton's recent move to Ferrari from 2025 everyone is wondering what the next market coup will be. As in 2022, there are many riders whose contracts are expiring at the end of the season. Among them there is also Sergio Perez. Although the rumors about his departure remain, Sergio Perez, interviewed in China on the eve of the race weekend, said he was quite optimistic about his stay in Red Bull.
The balance of these three years in Red Bull and the security of one's future
The Mexican arrived at Red Bull in 2021. After a year he received trust and a two-year deal. However, the second part of the 2022 season and the 2023 season, that of Red Bull's absolute domination, highlighted the differences between Perez and Verstappen. This and the presence of Daniel Ricciardo in the team as third driver put Perez's presence in doubt in the 2024 season despite him still being under contract. However, the pressure of past seasons seems to have had a positive effect on the Mexican who started the current season with three doubles. Despite paying for the comparison with Verstappen, Perez has shown that he can be a good team man, especially useful in the fight with Ferrari for the constructors' championship.
Perez's place is coveted by many, as he has the most competitive car on the grid. The possibility of release for most of the expiring riders has therefore put even more pressure on the Mexican who, however, does not feel he is at risk. The hottest names were those of Fernando Alonso, who however renewed with Aston Martin, and that of Carlos Sainz, whose future is still in the balance. Another name given is that of Alexander albon, but for the 2026 season.
“Alonso's renewal at Aston Martin? Every week the contenders change – explained Sergio Perez on the eve of the weekend in China – but it's normal, I believe that as long as there are no signatures, everyone is a possible rival."
Perez does not fear further rivals
These are crucial months for the pilots market. Negotiations begin in this period and Perez's confidence suggests that an agreement has already been reached with Red Bull. He himself made it clear that both have the same goal.
"Am I optimistic about the future at Red Bull? We've been together for a few years now and I think it will be a quick enough conversation to know which direction to go. We all want to continue, so I expect it to be a matter of time,” she concluded. Barring sensational twists, the Mexican should therefore move towards a renewal. Doubt remains about the nature of the renewal since Marko has already made it clear that he doesn't want him to relax too much with a two-year deal.
However, Helmut Marko, who speaking to the Austrian website Kleine Zeitung confirmed the perceptions about his driver and the confidence for the future: “Checo is having his best season since he has been with us. If he maintains these performances, like the one in qualifying in Japan, he will definitely be the best option for Red Bull in 2025. He is a team man and has now also understood that the radically different approach chosen last year in terms of set-up was wrong. Now the car is closer to Max's set-up and this helps him."
Source statements: FormulaPassion
