Sergio Perez’s ongoing struggles have put Red Bull’s championship aspirations at risk. Many anticipated an announcement of his replacement over the summer break, but Christian Horner and the team opted to retain the Mexican driver through the end of 2025. This decision surprised F1 analysts, especially given Red Bull’s deep pool of talent, which provided them with numerous alternatives to step in for the underperforming Perez.
However, Sergio Perez holds a distinct influence in attracting substantial financial support to F1. His market appeal is so impactful that Red Bull had to weigh potential revenue losses before making any decisions about his future. Earlier, F1 analyst Peter Windsor echoed this viewpoint, explaining that it would be almost “unthinkable” for Red Bull to drop Perez. Now, the Spanish outlet MARCA has backed this theory, as lucrative sponsorship might help Checo retain his Red Bull seat.
Sergio Perez To Retain His Red Bull Seat With Lucrative Sponsorship Offer
Sergio Perez is expected to remain with Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen’s teammate through the 2025 season despite a challenging year marked by underperformance compared to Verstappen. Spanish media outlet MARCA reported that the 34-year-old driver’s position appears secure, bolstered by a recent lucrative sponsorship deal. This new agreement permits Perez to develop his own line of clothing and merchandise, a project approved by Red Bull’s economic team and Christian Horner.
Although the identity of the new sponsor remains undisclosed, it is said to bring substantial financial support. Perez already has significant backing from brands associated with Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, including Claro, Telcel, Infinitum, and Interprotección. These brands collectively cover his salary and contribute roughly $30 million annually to Red Bull.
MARCA suggests that those expecting Red Bull to move on from Perez might have to reconsider. While unforeseen changes at Red Bull are never entirely off the table, the current plan indicates Perez will see his contract through to 2025. Should Perez stay, it would likely impact other driver placements. Yuki Tsunoda, currently sponsored by Visa Cash App RB, would be expected to remain with the team for another season. Although his teammate for 2025 is yet to be confirmed, Liam Lawson, who recently stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo, is viewed as a leading candidate. However, without the sponsorship support that Perez brings, Red Bull could lose millions if they replace Perez with a less financially backed driver.
Liam Lawson Gets Jos Verstappen’s Vote To Partner Up With Max Verstappen
Amid his six-race evaluation period, Liam Lawson has made an impressive impact by earning four points in the VCARB series, a tally close to Sergio Perez’s seven points for Red Bull over the same stretch. Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen, has also expressed a favorable view of Lawson as a potential teammate for Max. He pointed out that Lawson’s solid performances indicate he is prepared for a full-time Formula 1 seat. He mentioned that a competitive teammate could push Max to enhance his own performance, ultimately strengthening the team overall.