Sergio Perez has boldly declared his intent to remain a Red Bull Racing driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, brushing off swirling speculation that the team has decided to replace him following a dismal 2024 campaign.
The Mexican driver arrives at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix under intense scrutiny after a season marked by underperformance. Perez trails teammate Max Verstappen by a staggering 277 points, with Verstappen clinching his fourth consecutive drivers’ title well before the season’s conclusion.
Despite a run of poor results, including three point-less races in the last four outings, Perez remains adamant that he will honor his contract with Red Bull for next year.
Perez: “I Have a Contract, Nothing Has Changed”
When questioned about his future during Thursday’s media day, Perez doubled down on his position, stating, “Nothing has changed since before in terms of what I’ve said for the entire year. I’ve got a contract for next year, and I will be driving for Red Bull next year.”
Pressed for clarity, Perez confidently added, “I already said, mate. Nothing further to add. I have a contract for next year.”
Facing the Pressure
Rumors of his replacement by rising Red Bull star Liam Lawson have been rampant, fueled by Red Bull boss Christian Horner’s recent remarks that Perez would be allowed to “come to his own conclusions” about his future. Yet, Perez pointed to the team’s earlier decision to extend his contract as a testament to their faith in him.
“There’s a reason why they renewed me, and they know I can still do it,” Perez said. “The season hasn’t been the greatest, but they’ve seen what I’m capable of, and that’s the important factor.”
A Season to Forget
Perez has faced mounting criticism for failing to match Verstappen’s dominance. His poor form culminated in Qatar, where Red Bull’s inability to secure the Constructors’ Championship against rivals McLaren has been partially attributed to his lackluster performances.
However, Perez was quick to defend himself, asserting, “Of course I take responsibility, but also I don’t feel it’s all down to one person. I’m part of a big organization, a big team, and it’s very unfortunate we did not fight any harder for the Constructors’.”
Eyes on Abu Dhabi
For now, Perez is focused on ending the season on a high note and silencing doubters within Red Bull.
“For me, it’s just important to focus on the weekend,” he emphasized. “Give the best possible I can for the team to really try and prove to the whole group that we can do it. That’s the main objective for the weekend.”
The Road Ahead
As Red Bull gears up for a post-season review next week, Perez’s fate remains uncertain despite his public assurances. With rising talents like Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda eyeing a coveted seat, and Red Bull’s championship aspirations hanging in the balance, the coming weeks could define the next chapter of Perez’s F1 career.
While Perez remains defiant, the racing world waits to see if the Mexican driver can reclaim his form and prove he deserves to stand alongside Verstappen in Red Bull’s 2025 title quest. For now, the spotlight in Abu Dhabi burns brightly on Perez’s every move.