As the 2024 Formula 1 season races to a dramatic close, Sergio Perez finds himself at a crossroads. Following another turbulent weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has hinted that Perez’s future with the team could rest on his own decision-making, rather than a directive from the team.
Perez’s lackluster performance in Qatar—marked by a botched sprint start and a race-ending spin—has only intensified the speculation about his position in the Red Bull lineup. Despite being under contract for 2025, Perez’s fate will reportedly be a topic of discussion at a high-stakes meeting among Red Bull’s key stakeholders after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend.
Horner: “Let Checo Decide”
Horner was grilled by media, after Sunday’s race in Qatar about Perez’s standing within the team. While offering support for the beleaguered driver, Horner hinted that Perez might need to evaluate his own future.
“Look, Checo has had a very tough year,” Horner said. “Obviously the points table is what it is. We’re focused on supporting him to the checkered flag in Abu Dhabi. But it’s not an enjoyable situation for Checo, being in this position with speculation every week.
“He’s old enough and wise enough to know what the situation is. Let’s see where we are after Abu Dhabi.”
When pressed on whether the decision would ultimately be left to Perez, Horner replied:
“I’m going to let Checo come to his own conclusions. Nobody’s forcing him one way or another. It’s not a nice situation for him to obviously be in.”
When asked what would happen if Perez chose to stay under his current contract, Horner deflected, saying:
“Let’s get to the end of Abu Dhabi and see where we’re at.”
Perez’s Contribution and Red Bull’s Struggles
Since joining Red Bull in 2021, Perez has played a pivotal role in securing team success, including five grand prix victories and contributing to two Constructors’ Championships in 2022 and 2023. Horner was quick to highlight Perez’s accomplishments and the respect he’s garnered within the team.
“Checo’s contributed a huge amount to this team in the four years he’s been here. The world championship Max [Verstappen] achieved in 2021, the Constructors’ championships in ’22 and ’23, and some outstanding performances in races like Singapore, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia,” Horner stated. “Everybody holds Checo in the highest of regards and respect.”
However, Red Bull’s form this season has dipped significantly, with the team slipping to third in the Constructors’ Championship standings behind McLaren and Ferrari. The pressure has mounted on Perez, whose inconsistent performances have come under increasing scrutiny.
What’s Next for Perez?
The looming question is whether Perez will stay on to fulfill his 2025 contract or bow out under the weight of mounting pressure. While Horner’s comments suggest the team is leaving the decision largely to the driver, the final race in Abu Dhabi could prove pivotal.
For Perez, the stakes are clear: deliver a strong performance and remind the team—and its shareholders—of his value, or risk becoming a casualty of Red Bull’s unrelenting drive for perfection.
With one race left, the clock is ticking, and the spotlight is firmly on Sergio Perez as he navigates the most critical juncture of his Formula 1 career.