Sergio Perez’s rocky tenure at Red Bull Racing appears to be hanging by a thread after a season marked by underperformance and disappointment. Following a first-lap retirement at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Mexican driver admitted that discussions about his future with the team are ongoing, casting doubt on his seat for 2025.
Perez’s Struggles Highlight Red Bull’s Frustration
Perez’s season ended with a whimper, retiring after a collision with Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas on the opening lap in Abu Dhabi. It marked his second consecutive race without points and capped a year in which he failed to win a single race—a stark contrast to his dominant teammate Max Verstappen, who racked up eight wins and claimed his fourth straight championship.
The numbers paint a bleak picture. Perez managed just 152 points over the season, compared to Verstappen’s jaw-dropping 437. Incredibly, he scored only 49 points in the last 18 races, an output unbefitting a driver in a top-tier team.
Perez’s Ambiguity Fuels Speculation
After the Abu Dhabi race, Perez struck a somber tone about his future. “We will see what happens in the coming days,” he said in a Red Bull statement. “I don’t know what is going to happen at the moment. I have a contract, and the team and I have been talking. It’s a case of discussing what is best for everybody moving forward.”
Team Principal Christian Horner also hinted at a major decision looming. “Now we have got the season out of the way, we will sit down with him, reflect on the season, and collectively work out what is the right and appropriate way forward,” Horner said, suggesting that the team may push Perez to make a dignified exit.
Liam Lawson in Pole Position?
Speculation is rife that New Zealand’s Liam Lawson, who impressed during his stints with RB this season, is the frontrunner to replace Perez. Lawson’s performances, coupled with his calm under pressure, have reportedly made him a favorite for the coveted seat alongside Verstappen.
This possibility aligns with Red Bull’s history of tapping talent from its development pipeline. With Perez’s seat potentially up for grabs, Lawson represents a fresh and dynamic option for the team to maintain its competitive edge.
Red Bull’s Demands for Dual Excellence
Red Bull’s failure to secure the Constructors’ Championship this year underscores the importance of having two consistently performing drivers. Perez’s inability to complement Verstappen’s dominance left Red Bull vulnerable, allowing McLaren to claim the title by 14 points.
Horner emphasized this point earlier, stating: “The importance of having two drivers scoring on a regular and collective basis in the Constructors’ Championship is crucial.”
Perez’s Legacy in Limbo
Despite his struggles, Perez’s contributions to Red Bull over the years cannot be ignored. His pivotal role in Verstappen’s dramatic 2021 championship win and his steady performances in 2022 helped secure consecutive Constructors’ titles.
However, the stark decline in form this year has raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level. With Red Bull likely weighing their options in the coming days, Perez’s future hangs in the balance.
As Red Bull looks ahead to 2025, the team faces a critical decision: stick with the experienced yet underperforming Perez, or bet on the promise of youth with Lawson. Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that the stakes are high—not just for Red Bull, but for Perez’s Formula 1 career.