Sergio Perez’s 2024 Formula 1 season has turned into a nightmare, with the Mexican driver struggling to meet expectations and leaving his Red Bull future in serious doubt. With just one race remaining, Perez has amassed a mere 152 points, a staggering gap to his dominant teammate Max Verstappen, who boasts 429 points, nine wins, and 14 podiums.
Red Bull’s Constructor’s Title Hopes Crumble
Perez’s underwhelming performance has been a critical factor in Red Bull’s failure to defend their Constructor’s Championship. As they head into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull sits third in the standings with 581 points, trailing championship leaders McLaren (640 points) and Ferrari (619 points).
While Verstappen has shouldered the team’s success, Perez has failed to deliver consistent results, a reality he openly acknowledged during the Abu Dhabi GP weekend.
“Of course, I take responsibility, but also I don’t feel it’s fully all down to one person. I’m obviously part of a big organization, a big team, and it’s very unfortunate that we did not fight any harder for the Constructors,” Perez stated.
Sacking Rumors Swirl as Pressure Mounts
Despite Perez’s assurances that he has a contract for 2025 and his insistence that he will remain with Red Bull, rumors of his dismissal have reached a fever pitch. Reports suggest that the team is actively considering Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda—both of whom have outshone Perez this season—as potential replacements alongside Verstappen.
The lack of confidence in Perez’s future with Red Bull was further fueled by his own admission that he has struggled to pull his weight in the championship fight.
Perez’s Last Stand: Abu Dhabi or Bust
For Perez, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix represents his last chance to prove he belongs at Red Bull. A standout performance could potentially stave off the ax, but anything less than spectacular is unlikely to change the growing sentiment that his time at the Milton Keynes-based team is over.
“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,” Perez asserted.
However, his confidence appears to be at odds with Red Bull’s long-term ambitions, as team dynamics and future planning increasingly point toward a younger, more consistent driver lineup.
What’s Next for Perez?
The Mexican driver’s F1 career hangs in the balance. While Perez’s experience and past successes make him a valuable asset, his inability to keep pace with Verstappen has raised questions about whether he can still contribute to a top-tier team.
With Red Bull reportedly set to review its driver lineup after the season finale, the spotlight in Abu Dhabi will firmly be on Perez. Whether he can deliver a miracle performance or if this race becomes his Red Bull swan song remains to be seen.