Sergio Perez faced another challenging weekend during the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he suffered his sixth Q1 elimination of the season. Despite starting from the back, he managed to finish in 10th place, securing a solitary point. Meanwhile, his Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen, sealed the Drivers’ Championship with two races remaining.
Perez’s inconsistent performance this year has significantly affected Red Bull’s pursuit of the Constructors’ Championship. Although he is contracted with the team until 2026, his future appears uncertain. Perez remains optimistic about returning alongside Verstappen for the next season, but Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has hinted that the team will review his position after the season concludes. Given Perez’s struggles, his continued tenure with the team is far from assured.
Red Bull Shareholder Meeting To Decide Sergio Perez’s Future
Sergio Perez’s tumultuous 2024 season has left him under intense scrutiny as he lags 251 points behind his Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen, the newly crowned F1 World Champion. Despite his disappointing performances, which have significantly hindered Red Bull’s attempt to defend the Constructors’ Championship, Perez has retained his seat with public support from the team—albeit with clear demands for improved results.
With only two races left in the season, the Qatar Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi finale are likely his last opportunities to justify a place on the 2025 grid. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed that a post-season meeting will determine the driver lineup for both Red Bull Racing and its sister team. Marko pointed out Perez’s substantial gap to Verstappen and noted that stronger performances could have secured the Constructors’ title.
Perez’s struggles were evident at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he suffered his sixth Q1 elimination of the year, qualifying 16th and finishing 10th. While he blamed the car for his poor results, Perez expressed optimism that Red Bull would deliver a stronger machine for next season. However, with Red Bull’s unique access to four contracted drivers, Perez faces mounting pressure to prove his worth.
Christian Horner Remains Coy On Red Bull Second Seat Options
Red Bull’s current driver pairing of Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson are eager to capitalize on Sergio Perez’s uncertain future, with each driver vying for a potential promotion. Tsunoda is set to test the Red Bull car after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, showcasing his growing profile within the team. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson, who has impressed during his limited opportunities, appears to be the more likely candidate for a full-time seat.
Another intriguing development is Red Bull’s potential interest in Franco Colapinto. The young Argentinian driver has turned heads since his mid-season promotion with Williams, sparking speculation about a possible move to the Red Bull camp. Colapinto’s rapid rise has positioned him as an unexpected contender for a spot in one of the most competitive teams on the grid.
Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, has remained tight-lipped about the future driver lineup, emphasizing that discussions regarding contracts and options are internal matters. Reflecting on Perez’s performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Horner acknowledged the Mexican driver’s commendable recovery drive to secure a point but expressed disappointment in missing the opportunity to capitalize on a weak performance from McLaren. Perez’s position on the grid remains a focal point as Red Bull evaluates its strategy for 2025.
