Sergio “Checo” Pérez, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing teammate, is at the center of swirling rumors that he could be ousted from the team before the 2025 Formula 1 season even begins. Despite a contract extension announced just six months ago, Pérez’s underwhelming performance in 2024 has raised serious doubts about his future with the team.
A Disappointing Season for Red Bull
While Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull failed to clinch the Constructors’ title for the first time since 2021. Instead, McLaren triumphed, claiming their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. Verstappen’s nine victories and 437 points were not enough to compensate for Pérez’s lackluster results.
Pérez, who did not win a single race, managed only 152 points and finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship—a stark contrast to his second and third-place finishes in previous seasons.
This imbalance has led to widespread speculation that Pérez’s time with Red Bull may be coming to an end, despite his contract running through 2026.
Christian Horner Admits Contract Extension Was a Mistake
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner recently acknowledged that extending Pérez’s contract midway through the 2024 season was premature. “He started the season strongly with four podiums in the first five races, and we wanted to build on that momentum. Clearly, it didn’t work out,” Horner admitted ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
However, Horner also praised Pérez as a “great team player, a fantastic person, and extremely popular within the team,” emphasizing that no one is more frustrated by his performance than Pérez himself.
Verstappen Defends His Teammate
Even Verstappen, known for his blunt honesty, came to Pérez’s defense. The reigning champion described Pérez as “a rare teammate, so kind and supportive,” and suggested that the car’s difficulty to handle may have contributed to Pérez’s struggles.
The Rumored Split
Despite public displays of camaraderie, sources suggest that Red Bull has already decided to part ways with Pérez. The primary question now is when the team will announce the decision—and how much it will cost them. According to former F1 champion Nico Rosberg, Pérez has demanded €16 million to terminate his contract early.
Liam Lawson as a Potential Replacement
If Pérez is indeed on his way out, Red Bull’s rising star Liam Lawson is the frontrunner to replace him. Lawson impressed during his substitute appearances in 2024, making him a logical choice for the team.
What’s Next for Checo?
For now, Pérez remains listed as a Red Bull driver for 2025. However, with the team eager to regain its dominance and a young talent like Lawson waiting in the wings, Pérez’s tenure with Red Bull appears to be hanging by a thread. An official announcement could come any day, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter for the Mexican driver.
Whether Pérez’s departure will lead to a resurgence for Red Bull or spark further controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Checo saga is far from over.