Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull is hanging by a thread, as advisor Helmut Marko has hinted that even a multi-year contract extension won’t save the Mexican driver if his performance doesn’t improve.
In a season marked by highs for Max Verstappen and lows for Perez, Red Bull’s grip on the Constructors’ Championship has slipped, with McLaren taking the lead. As Perez’s results continue to disappoint, Red Bull is reassessing his future, despite a recent contract extension. Marko, known for his blunt assessments, has reiterated that Formula 1 is driven by merit, not contracts. “In F1, if the performance is not right, contracts are useless,” Marko declared. He made it clear that Red Bull will decide at the end of the season who will partner Verstappen for the 2025 campaign.
The pressure on Perez has intensified as Red Bull’s struggles become increasingly apparent. Although Christian Horner and the team were hopeful that the overwhelming support in Mexico might reignite Perez’s spark, his inconsistent performance has cast doubt on his ability to deliver under pressure. “Hopefully, with the support he’ll receive in Mexico, it’ll give him that boost,” Horner remarked, acknowledging that Perez’s grid position has often set him back, forcing him to fight from the tail end of the top 10 and lose valuable time.
Perez’s extended contract was originally a show of Red Bull’s faith in his financial and fan support, particularly with backing from Mexico. However, that support may not be enough if he can’t compete at the front. With just five races left, Perez is in a last-chance situation. He must improve drastically, or Red Bull will start looking for a new teammate for Verstappen in 2025.
The countdown is on, and as Red Bull weighs its options, Perez faces the ultimate test: deliver or depart. Will he rise to the challenge, or will Red Bull bid farewell to its Mexican star?
