The pressure has never been higher for Sergio Perez as he heads into what could be his last race for Red Bull Racing. Despite a contract that extends through 2025, the Mexican driver faces mounting speculation that his underwhelming 2024 campaign may cost him his seat. With rumors swirling about Red Bull’s intent to part ways with Perez after Abu Dhabi, this weekend’s Grand Prix is shaping up to be a career-defining moment.
“Frustration in Qatar, Redemption in Abu Dhabi?”
Perez’s season hit another low point in Qatar, where he was forced to retire, dashing hopes of a podium finish. The costly DNF was a blow not just to his personal season but also to Red Bull’s fight for second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
“Everything was going so well in Qatar, and the podium was in our sights,” Perez lamented. “It’s frustrating for everyone that we couldn’t convert that positive position in the race into something more.”
Now, Perez’s focus shifts to Yas Marina, where he’s determined to end his turbulent season on a high note, even as whispers of his departure from the team grow louder.
“The aim in Abu Dhabi will be to make up for that disappointment,” Perez said. “It has been a very up-and-down season for me, and I will be giving everything I have to end it on a high.”
“Struggles in Verstappen’s Shadow”
Perez’s struggles have been stark when compared to his teammate, Max Verstappen, who has already secured his fourth world championship. The Mexican is the only driver in the top eight not to win a race this season, and his inability to consistently deliver podium finishes has fueled criticism.
While Perez claims to have made progress in recent weeks, he admits that putting it all together has been elusive.
“We have been seeing improvements week on week recently, and the pace has been there,” he said. “Now we need to put it together.”
“A Do-or-Die Weekend”
The Abu Dhabi GP could well be Perez’s final audition for retaining his Red Bull seat. A strong performance may bolster his case to stay, but given the weight of his inconsistent season, even a stellar outing might not be enough. Red Bull reportedly already has its sights set on either Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s next teammate.
“The Clock is Ticking”
For Perez, the stakes couldn’t be higher. He enters Abu Dhabi with not just his Red Bull future, but potentially his entire F1 career hanging in the balance. A heroic performance at Yas Marina could buy him time, but with Red Bull’s ruthless reputation for driver decisions, Perez’s fate may already be sealed.
As the lights go out in Abu Dhabi, the world will be watching to see if Checo can defy the odds—or if this marks the end of his Red Bull journey.