Sergio Perez future is reportedly set to be determined at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Red Bull Racing makes final decision on driver lineup ahead of 2025 F1 season.
This development follows a disappointing year for the Mexican driver, marked by a significant performance gap compared to his teammate Max Verstappen and a series of underwhelming results that have put his future in jeopardy.
As F1 prepares for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, speculation regarding Sergio Perez future has intensified with multiple sources confirming that Red Bull is likely to seek a new driver for the 2025 F1 season.
Throughout the 2024 season, Perez has faced considerable challenges on the track. Despite starting strong with four podium finishes in the first five races, his performance has sharply declined ever since.
The 34-year old has not finished in the top six since May’s Miami GP and has accumulated only nine points over the last seven races, including two retirements.
This stark contrast to Verstappen’s dominance—who has secured nine wins and leads the championship standings—has led to mounting pressure from both fans and team management sparking speculation over Sergio Perez future.
The recent 2024 Qatar Grand Prix highlighted Perez’s struggles. During the race weekend, he was eliminated early in Sprint Qualifying and subsequently retired from the main race after spinning out and damaging his car’s clutch.
This incident was emblematic of a broader trend where Perez has consistently failed to capitalize on opportunities or maintain competitive pace relative to both Verstappen and rival teams like Ferrari and McLaren.
Red Bull’s failure to secure the Constructors’ Championship has further complicated matters, as they currently sit behind both McLaren and Ferrari in the standings.
In light of these developments, Red Bull Racing is expected to hold crucial discussions regarding its driver lineup shortly after the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The outcome of these talks will likely determine not only Sergio Perez future but also how the team positions itself for the upcoming seasons.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has hinted at Perez’s impending exit, stating that the driver is “old enough and wise enough” to understand his precarious position within the team.
“Checo has had a very tough year,“ Horner said in Qatar. “The points tables are what they are. We’re very much focused on really supporting him to the checkered flag in Abu Dhabi.
“It’s not an enjoyable situation for Checo to be in this position with speculation every week. He’s old enough and wise enough to know what the situation is. Let’s see where we are after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.“
“I’m gonna let Checo come to his own conclusions. Nobody’s forcing him one way or another. I’m gonna let him… it’s not a nice situation for him to be in.
“He’s won five Grands Prix for us, and he’s had some outstanding performances in races like Singapore, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia, to name but a few.
“Everybody holds Checo in the highest regard and respect. But obviously, the situation that we’re in is as painful for him as it is for the team.”
Horner’s comments suggest Sergio Perez future with Red Bull is uncertain and may hinge on discussions following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix despite being under contract for 2025 F1 after signing an extension back in June.
The Milton Keynes outfit has historically been known for making decisive moves when it comes to driver performance, and this situation appears no different. However, The team is reportedly considering options that may include moving him into an ambassadorial role rather than outright dismissal due to contractual obligations.
As Red Bull prepares to determine Sergio Perez future, potential candidates to replace him have begun to emerge. Liam Lawson who replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB earlier this season is seen as a strong contender to partner Max Verstappen in 2025 F1.
Lawson has been aggressive in racing, gained points, and raced well since joining. Despite the fact that he lacks experience, has made blunders including a spin in Qatar, Red Bull does not appear to be overly concerned by his performance against teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
