Sergio Perez’s Red Bull career teeters on the edge as speculation mounts over his potential transition to ambassadorial duties.
Are we witnessing Sergio Perez’s last Grand Prix with Red Bull? Perhaps even his final Grand Prix in F1?
For now, the Mexican remains firm in his stance: he has a contract through 2025 and intends to honor it. A logical strategy aimed at maximizing compensation should Red Bull’s management and shareholders decide to part ways with him.
For the moment, Red Bull’s leaders remain silent amidst growing speculation that Sergio Perez will be replaced by Liam Lawson. According to the same rumors, Yuki Tsunoda will not receive the anticipated promotion and will be partnered with Frenchman Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls.
Team principal Christian Horner stated on Friday that he had offered Perez an extended contract “to calm him down and boost his form for the rest of the season. Clearly, it didn’t work. That’s just how life is sometimes.”
The only discussions left between Perez and the team revolve around the terms of his contract’s termination.
Theories suggest the Mexican might not necessarily be fired. He could stay with the team as an ambassador, continuing to receive his current salary without being called upon to race.
Otherwise, Red Bull would have to pay significant severance and sever all ties with the driver.
Dr. Helmut Marko remained tight-lipped about these scenarios.
“The key people will meet on Monday. I can’t say when the press will be informed. I don’t want to preempt these discussions.”
It’s believed that even the millions of dollars Perez brings to Red Bull through Mexican sponsorship do not offset the damage caused by his lower standings in the lucrative Constructors’ Championship.
Perez qualified 10th in Abu Dhabi. When asked if he was satisfied, he responded, “Not really. But it’s kind of a summary of the whole season.”
Asked if he feared Sunday could be his last race with Red Bull, or even in Formula 1, he said, “As I keep saying, no.”
“I have nothing new to add to what I’ve said before.”
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Perez Faces Uncertain Future: Last Race for Red Bull? Perez Faces Uncertain Future: Last Race for Red Bull?
