Amid swirling rumors of Sergio Perez’s imminent sacking, Max Verstappen has refused to reveal any details, offering only cryptic support for his embattled teammate as Red Bull faces mounting pressure.
Perez’s Nightmare 2024 Season: A Recipe for Exit?
The walls are closing in on Sergio Perez as his disastrous performances in the 2024 season threaten his seat at Red Bull Racing. While Perez failed to find consistent form and struggled to score points, his dominant teammate, Max Verstappen, cruised to his fourth world championship, cementing himself as the sport’s undisputed king.
The gap between the Red Bull drivers has been impossible to ignore. Perez’s struggles contributed heavily to Red Bull losing the constructors’ championship, and rumors of his ousting are growing louder by the day.
Verstappen’s Cryptic Comments: “I Cannot Say Now”
When questioned about Perez’s future during the off-season, Verstappen chose his words carefully, refusing to add fuel to the fire.
“I cannot say now,” Verstappen said bluntly, signaling that decisions are being made behind closed doors.
Despite maintaining a dominant edge over his teammate, the Dutchman has previously defended Perez, praising their working relationship and emphasizing the value of having two competitive drivers.
“It is good for the team to have two fast drivers and that they get along well,” Verstappen added. “In the end, you have to beat your teammate. I have always had good relations with mine.”
Is Perez Really to Blame? Verstappen Points to the Car
While Perez has been under intense scrutiny, Verstappen was quick to point out that not all of the Mexican driver’s struggles were self-inflicted. Instead, the reigning champion blamed the RB20 chassis—a car riddled with performance inconsistencies that proved challenging for even the most skilled drivers.
“On one hand, it’s been tough for Checo. It hasn’t always been his fault,” Verstappen revealed. “We had a very difficult car. You can blame it on that. Of course, I don’t want to bash him as he’s my teammate. I get along with him well, but I can clearly say not everything has been his fault regarding how things went wrong.”
This rare show of support suggests Verstappen understands the team’s collective shortcomings played a role in Perez’s disastrous campaign.
Red Bull Faces Massive Overhaul in 2025
With 2025 personnel changes already in motion, Red Bull faces a pivotal moment in its quest to reclaim dominance. A shakeup among key engineers and technical staff could leave the team vulnerable during a critical period, amplifying the need for a second driver who can deliver results.
As Milton Keynes braces for a challenging rebuild, Red Bull cannot afford continued inconsistency in its second seat. For Perez, the clock is ticking, and his performance will need to improve dramatically to silence the doubters and secure his future.
What’s Next for Sergio Perez?
While Max Verstappen’s comments leave more questions than answers, the reality is clear: Sergio Perez is fighting for his career. If Red Bull’s struggles persist and Perez cannot match Verstappen’s relentless pace, his sacking could become inevitable.
Will Perez turn the tide in 2025, or will Red Bull look elsewhere for a driver capable of keeping pace with their reigning champion?
For now, Verstappen’s silence speaks volumes. The decision may not be his to make, but the writing could already be on the wall for Checo Perez.