Red Bull’s Dilemma: Is It Time to Move On from Sergio Perez?

Photo source: Formula 1, Red Bull Content Pool

The future looks uncertain for veteran driver Sergio Perez, with growing speculation that this could be his final season in Formula 1.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, hinted at the possibility of Perez parting ways with the team during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. When asked if the Mexican driver still had a future with Red Bull, Horner told ESPN:

“I’m going to let Checo come to his own conclusions. Nobody’s forcing him one way or another.”

In June 2024, Red Bull announced that Perez had signed a contract extension through 2026. While this technically ensures his position within the organization, it also leaves room for a shift to an ambassadorial role should Perez choose to remain affiliated with the team.

Horner emphasized the team’s continued support for Perez until the season’s end. However, it is evident that the driver has fallen short of expectations. Perez’s last victory came at the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and he has managed only four podium finishes during the 2024 season.

“We’re very much focused on really supporting him to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi,” Horner said. “Obviously, it’s not an enjoyable situation for Checo, being in this position with speculation every week. He’s old enough and wise enough to know what the situation is, and yeah, let’s see where we are after Abu Dhabi.”

Perez’s underwhelming performance has had significant repercussions for the team. While Max Verstappen has carried Red Bull with 429 points, the team’s total of 581 points leaves them third in the Constructors’ Championship, a far cry from defending their title.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed to Viaplay that a crucial meeting will be held on the Monday following the Abu Dhabi GP to discuss Perez’s future and the team’s direction.

“There is a meeting Monday after Abu Dhabi. All the major people are there, all of the shareholders, and there, a decision will be made,” Marko said. “We always, or most of the time, brought our own drivers through the Red Bull program, and I think it’s a philosophical decision—do we stick to that? And what I got from the shareholders is it will be in this direction.”

The team faces a tough decision about who could potentially replace Perez. Options include Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, or perhaps another emerging talent. Regardless of the outcome, the decision will define Perez’s legacy at Red Bull—or open the door to a fresh start, possibly with Cadillac.