By Michael Specter
Christian Horner’s Stance on Perez’s Future
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has made it clear that the decision regarding Sergio Perez’s future at the team will be left entirely in the hands of the driver. Horner stated that no external pressures are being placed on Perez, and he will be allowed to make his own conclusions about his Formula 1 career. The 2024 season has been a struggle for the Mexican driver, raising doubts over his position at the leading team.
Disappointing Performance in 2024
Sergio Perez is currently ranked eighth in the drivers’ standings, an underwhelming result for a driver in a top-tier team like Red Bull. Despite a strong start to the season, where he secured three second-place finishes in the opening races, Perez has not won a race since April 2023. His performance has significantly dropped off, with only 152 points after 23 races, a stark contrast to teammate Max Verstappen, who has amassed 429 points, including 19 wins. Perez’s points tally and lack of podiums in recent races highlight the performance gap within the team.
Horner Emphasizes Focus on Abu Dhabi
Horner emphasized that Red Bull is committed to supporting Perez for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. The team principal acknowledged the pressure Perez has faced due to ongoing speculation about his future and assured that the priority is to help him finish the season on a positive note. “We’re focused on supporting him to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi,” Horner said. The situation is undoubtedly difficult for Perez, who faces constant speculation about his future, yet Horner is confident the driver knows the stakes and the implications of his performance.
Possible Red Bull Replacement Candidates
With Perez’s future uncertain, rumors have been swirling about potential replacements for the 2025 season. One strong contender is New Zealand’s Liam Lawson, who impressed during substitute stints earlier in the year. Other names reportedly in the mix include Franco Colapinto, an Argentine rookie whose crashes at Williams could hurt his prospects. Another possibility is Isack Hadjar, a Franco-Algerian driver competing for the Formula 2 title, who could potentially be promoted to a senior role at AlphaTauri alongside Yuki Tsunoda if Lawson moves up to Red Bull.
Conclusion and Speculation Post-Abu Dhabi
The decision on Perez’s future will likely be made after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Until then, the focus remains on ensuring Perez ends the season on a strong note, without external pressure from Red Bull. While no official announcement has been made, all eyes are on the Mexican driver’s performance in the season finale.
