Reports continue to circulate about Red Bull’s 2025 line-up, with Sergio Perez in an increasingly precarious position. However, Perez insists he pays little attention to these rumours – convinced that he can step up against Max Verstappen.
Red Bull yet to finalise their 2025 roster
Having signed a contract extension with Red Bull early in the season, Perez might have been optimistic that speculation about his future would end.
However, the last few months have seen the 34-year-old’s place at Red Bull brought into question.
Team principal Christian Horner has admitted that Liam Lawson is being evaluated as a potential teammate for Max Verstappen.
Meanwhile, Helmut Marko has made clear that a contract does not guarantee anything in Formula 1.
In this context, Lawson’s progress over the next three rounds could be of huge consequence.
Yuki Tsunoda is also part of this equation, although it is no secret that Red Bull have their doubts about promoting the 24-year-old.
Argentina’s Franco Colapinto cannot be written off either, with Christian Horner admitting that he’s enquired about Colapinto’s availability.
Sergio Perez confident about the future
Despite several threats emerging for Perez’s Red Bull seat, the Mexican continues to downplay any suggestion of danger.
He even revealed that other teams offered him contract this year – but they were turned down in favour of Red Bull:
“I had an opportunity, two opportunities, to change teams,” he told GQ.
“When I looked at it, I thought, I really love the challenge I have at Red Bull. It’s a massive challenge being Max’s teammate.
“It’s a challenge that basically trains you for all of it.
“So I said – I want to spend my last part of my career at the top. At the very top, where the pressure, it’s full-on.”
Final call to be made in the coming weeks
Max Verstappen is undoubtedly one of the most difficult drivers to face in same machinery.
There are few drivers who could match the Dutchman’s results in the RB20.
However, this does not mean that Perez is performing at an adequate level.
Having scored just 7 points in the last three races, Perez has been outscored by Gasly, Ocon and Magnussen in this period.
This poor run of form – which can be traced back to the Imola GP – has allowed Ferrari and McLaren to jump Red Bull in the standings.
If Red Bull want to challenge for the constructors title in 2024, they must ensure the best option available is put alongside Max Verstappen.
