Although a mechanical failure forced Perez to retire from the Qatar GP, his pace before that stage was underwhelming. After showing no improvement across 2024, Christian Horner admits the time has come for a difficult conversation with Sergio Perez.
Sergio Perez’s F1 career is hanging by a thread
Since the Miami GP in early May, little has changed for Sergio Perez in terms of results.
The 34-year-old has failed to match teammate Max Verstappen, consistently several steps behind the Dutchman in qualifying and on race day.
With just two points from the last four rounds, it has become impossible for Red Bull – who have stood by Perez – to offer any defence for poor his results.
It is no secret that Red Bull are weighing up all their options for 2025, including the VCARB duo of Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson.
Although the Milton Keynes squad have reservations about both drivers, it is increasingly difficult to imagine a scenario where Sergio Perez keeps his seat.
Horner: “The points are what they are”
Whilst Christian Horner denies that the Mexican driver will be forced out, he heavily implied that change was necessary:
“Checo has had a very tough year. Obviously, the points table are what they are,” he told the media post-race.
“We’re very much focused on really supporting him to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.
“Obviously it’s not an enjoyable situation for Checo, being in this position with speculation every week.
“He’s old enough and wise enough to know that the situation is. Let’s see where we are after Abu Dhabi.
“I’m going to let Checo come to his own conclusions. Nobody’s forcing him one way or another,” concluded Horner.
Red Bull’s patience runs out
Because Perez already has a contract signed for 2025, it will not be easy for Red Bull to replace him next year – at least not without paying a substantial fee.
A figure of approximately $20 million has been floated as the cost Red Bull face for prematurely terminating their contract.
With this in mind, Christian Horner will be hoping for Perez to leave on his own accord. This scenario would see him announcing his retirement or – alternately – a sabbatical from F1.
Of course, the 34-year-old is under no obligation to walk away. However, all indications suggest that Red Bull’s patience has run out.
The Austrian team will almost certainly encourage him to leave the team on his own terms – to avoid the inevitable headache that would arise if he insists on staying.
To be clear, Red Bull have shown reservations about their two obvious alternatives – Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson.
Despite leading the way at VCARB for the last two seasons, Red Bull still deem Tsunoda as slightly too inconsistent.
Meanwhile, Lawson has been outperformed by the Japanese driver since returning to the grid – especially in the last three rounds.
This is not to suggest these drivers are not deserving of an opportunity. Tsunoda in particular has reason to believe he deserves to be alongside Max Verstappen.
Perhaps the main point is that, even though Red Bull aren’t convinced by their options, continuing with Sergio Perez would be malpractice.
