Red Bull to reassess Sergio Pérez's future amid performance concerns
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing, where the margin for error is razor-thin, Red Bull Racing is set to hold crucial discussions regarding the future of Mexican driver Sergio Pérez, following a series of underwhelming performances that have seen the team slip behind rivals McLaren and Ferrari in the constructors' championship. With significant prize money at stake, Pérez's struggles have become an unavoidable focal point for the team's senior leadership.
Despite his teammate Max Verstappen clinching the drivers' title with a victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Pérez finds himself trailing significantly in the standings, occupying the eighth position, a staggering 251 points adrift. This disparity, especially when contrasted with Verstappen's commanding performances, has put Pérez's future with the team under scrutiny.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, in comments to Sirius XM following the recent race in Las Vegas, highlighted the dilemma facing the team. "If you take the difference between Max and Sergio's points then it's clear where the problem is," Marko stated. This issue signals a decisive juncture for Pérez, whose last top-six finish came at the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
The crucial discussions about Pérez's future are scheduled to take place after the season finale at Abu Dhabi, with Christian Horner, Red Bull's boss, and the company's senior leadership poised to evaluate the situation comprehensively. "There will be a decision -- after Abu Dhabi we will get together and present to the shareholders what we think is best, and they will make a decision," Marko revealed.
Adding to the narrative is Pérez’s contract situation. In June, the driver secured a new deal that would keep him with Red Bull until 2026. However, his continued form slump despite the renewed confidence has raised questions about the effectiveness of the agreement.
Looking ahead, Red Bull is reportedly assessing its options, potentially bolstering its driver lineup by exploring the addition of Franco Colapinto from Williams, while already having Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda from its junior team as viable alternatives. The incorporation of Colapinto would offer Red Bull additional leeway in making a decision on Pérez's role within the team, although his contract running through 2025 complicates matters further.
As the season winds down and the paddock's focus shifts to the future, the coming weeks promise to be among the most consequential in Sergio Pérez's career, determining whether he remains a part of Red Bull's quest for Formula 1 supremacy or if the team opts for a new direction in pursuit of championship glory.
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