Sergio Perez’s contract expires in a year, and he faces losing his Red Bull position after struggling at times this season with the strongest car on the F1 grid.
In relation to Red Bull’s long-term driver plans, Christian Horner acknowledged he is leaving his options open.
With a contract that expires in 2028 and three straight championship victories, Max Verstappen’s position is assured. Unfortunately for Sergio Perez, his current position cannot say the same.
This year, he came in second to Verstappen but worked hard for it even though, like his teammate, he had the best car on the grid. Red Bull, however, wishes to honor the remaining year of his present contract.
Furthermore, it’s unclear how long the Mexican will stay with the team. After three seasons as Verstappen’s teammate, he still hasn’t even come close to challenging the Dutchman, but he still has another full season to try out for a new contract.
When Sky Sports asked if Perez and Daniel Ricciardo will face off for that slot after 2024, team principal Horner acknowledged that there are many other contenders who may take Perez’s place on the squad in addition to the uncertainty surrounding the Mexican’s future.
You want the appropriate dynamic in the team, therefore as a team you want to field the most competitive partnership you can have’, he stated. “Max and Checo [Perez] have had amazing success together. Checo has placed fourth, third, and second throughout his three years with us, indicating a positive trajectory!
“We are familiar with Daniel, so it’s wonderful to have him back at Red Bull. Naturally, everything is available starting in 2025. Therefore, it is not a terrible thing for us to have options both internally and internationally.”
If Perez wants to maintain his position in 2024, David Coulthard believes he will need to make major progress. The Scot stated on his Formula For Success podcast, “Checo wasn’t as far away from this team-mate as some but, unfortunately for him of course, when Max was winning and he’s not finishing second, it really puts a very difficult spotlight on him.”
“He’s made it through, but I think he’s going to need to put in a lot of effort over the winter to truly comprehend and embrace the distinctions between him and Max. He was kind of letting his shoulders and chest hang loose as he talked about the world championship bouts at the start of the year.
“I believe that his management staff, who are there to support him both commercially and to see him attempt to win a grand prix, had a hand in it. Thus, if the word is that this man is a world champion in waiting, the talks will be aided. I believe that at this point, they should definitely adopt a somewhat different perspective, namely that he is Max’s best partner and a phenomenon, after which you can buckle down.”