Sergio Pérez’s tenure at Red Bull Racing seems set to conclude after the 2024 season, following a year marked by inconsistent performances that have raised questions about his future with the team. Reports from ESPN suggest the Mexican driver will part ways with Red Bull after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, despite being under contract until 2026. The decision is said to have resulted from a difficult season that led the team’s leadership to expedite their plans.
Perez showed promise in Qatar as he climbed through the top 10, but his race ended prematurely when he reported a loss of drive while warming up a fresh set of tires. Following the season finale, he is expected to meet with team principal Horner and advisor Helmut Marko to determine the path forward.
Although Perez extended his contract through 2025, it is anticipated that, if he loses his seat, Red Bull will not terminate his contract outright but transition him into an ambassadorial role.
Sergio Pérez is set to leave Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, sources told ESPN's Nate Saunders.
According to multiple sources, Red Bull have decided to move on from Checo after Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.https://t.co/esEyTgGKG8
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) December 2, 2024
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson, a rising talent from Red Bull’s junior program, has positioned himself as the leading candidate to join Max Verstappen in 2025, signaling the team’s intent to revamp its driver lineup for the coming seasons. Yuki Tsunoda is another potential option, as reported by motorsport.com. A final decision has yet to be made, but the team is solely evaluating the two VCARB drivers, setting up next week’s final testing event in Abu Dhabi as a decisive showdown between them.
Although Pérez may step away from his Red Bull seat, he could stay connected to the organization in an ambassadorial capacity. At the same time, his F1 career may persist, with exciting prospects such as Cadillac’s anticipated entry into the championship in 2026 potentially offering the Mexican driver a new chapter. The Mexican’s exit from Red Bull signals the close of a significant chapter but paves the way for him to further leave his imprint on Formula 1, bolstered by his skill and immense global fanbase in motorsport.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
