Red Bull Racing and Sergio Perez have officially entered discussions about the Mexican driver’s future with the team, following a turbulent 2024 Formula 1 season that saw Perez fall far behind teammate Max Verstappen and struggle to deliver consistent results. With Perez’s tenure seemingly coming to an end, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has confirmed that talks will determine the “appropriate way forward” for both parties.
Perez’s Red Bull Journey at a Crossroads
Perez’s future with Red Bull has been the subject of heated speculation in recent weeks, with persistent rumors that the team has decided to replace him in the driver lineup for 2025. Although Perez maintained he had a valid contract through 2025 and dismissed the idea of stepping down voluntarily, his tone shifted after a disappointing Lap 1 retirement at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He acknowledged that discussions about his role within the team are now underway.
“We’ll sit down with him and reflect on the season, and obviously, where it’s gone wrong,” Horner said after the race. “Collectively, we will work out what is the right and appropriate way forward. Checo has been a great servant of this team.”
A Legacy of Contributions—and Missed Opportunities
Horner was quick to acknowledge Perez’s contributions to Red Bull’s success, particularly during the pivotal 2021 season and the Constructors’ Championship wins in 2022 and 2023. Perez has amassed five race victories and was instrumental in securing Red Bull’s first-ever one-two finish in the Drivers’ Championship in 2023. However, his performance in 2024 saw a significant drop, with Perez finishing eighth in the Drivers’ standings—285 points behind Verstappen, the largest gap between teammates on the grid.
This performance gap proved costly, as Red Bull failed to retain the Constructors’ title despite Verstappen winning nine races. Instead, McLaren capitalized on its consistency to snatch the championship.
“It’s clear the importance of having two drivers scoring on a regular basis in the Constructors’ Championship is crucial,” Horner emphasized. “For us, it’s very important that both of our drivers are delivering, and there’s not a significant gap.”
Perez’s Options: Ambassador Role or Departure?
According to sources, Perez may be offered a transition to a driver ambassador role within Red Bull, similar to the position held by former driver David Coulthard. Such a move would allow Perez to remain connected to the team without the pressure of on-track performance. Horner’s earlier comments urging Perez to “come to his own conclusions” suggest the team would prefer an amicable exit rather than a contentious split.
“There’s no immediate rush,” Horner said about finalizing the lineup for next year. “All the permutations are available to us internally. So, I think the first thing is to sit down with Checo and have that conversation.”
Verstappen Defends Perez Amid Criticism
Max Verstappen, Perez’s four-time championship-winning teammate, has come to the defense of the embattled driver. Verstappen emphasized that Perez has been unfairly criticized, especially given the challenges posed by the RB20’s narrow operational window and unpredictable handling.
“I work with him every weekend, and people have been very harsh on him,” Verstappen stated. “Of course, some weekends maybe could have been better, but he’s not an idiot. He’s always been regarded as a great driver.”
Who’s Next for Red Bull?
With Perez’s future hanging in the balance, Red Bull has internally considered promoting one of its young drivers, with Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda leading the shortlist. Both drivers have shown promise but remain relatively inexperienced at the sport’s highest level. Lawson, in particular, impressed during his brief F1 stint in 2024, while Tsunoda has steadily improved during his time with AlphaTauri.
For Red Bull, ensuring a strong second driver alongside Verstappen will be critical in 2025. Horner has stressed the importance of a lineup that can deliver consistent points, especially with rivals like McLaren and Ferrari expected to field competitive pairings.
The Road Ahead
While Perez’s departure seems imminent, the nature of his exit and Red Bull’s final decision on their driver lineup remain to be seen. For now, the team faces a pivotal choice that could shape its 2025 campaign—and Perez’s role within the sport. Fans and insiders alike will be closely watching how the negotiations unfold and what this means for Red Bull’s ongoing dominance in Formula 1.