Perez Retains Seat, Sainz Move Rejected

Red Bull chooses stability by retaining Perez, a strategic move praised for maintaining team dynamics.

It was “logical” for Red Bull to sign a new Formula 1 contract with Sergio Perez, according to a former F1 driver.

The seat alongside Max Verstappen was obviously one of the most coveted on the entire F1 grid, and the 34-year-old Mexican Perez often struggles to come close to the performances of the three-time world champion.

In the announcement of what the team calls a “two-year extension of his current contract,” even team boss Christian Horner acknowledges that “the last races have been tough” for Perez.

“However, we have confidence in Checo and look forward to his return to form and the proven performances we often see.”

Given his departure from Ferrari, Carlos Sainz was clearly considering replacing Perez for 2025—and it’s still thought he might accept a one-season move to Williams next year to keep his Red Bull and Mercedes options open for 2026, in case Red Bull kept an option in their favor to part ways with the Mexican mid-contract.

But former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde has no doubts about why Red Bull opted for Perez instead.

“Sainz would never have worked well there. There would have been arrogant behavior between him and Verstappen, and that just doesn’t work.”

“For now, they have Max as the lead driver, the best driver, and Perez is number 2. Because of this hierarchy, it’s calm between them at Red Bull.”

“As a second driver, Perez can still win a few races, finish second or third in the championship, and his value remains good.”

“So it’s a logical choice. We knew it was going to happen. He’s just a great second driver. He hasn’t been the best in the last races, but who else were they going to take to place next to Verstappen?”

Van der Garde also thinks that Red Bull will have considered commercial considerations in its decision, with several Mexican sponsors already on the car.

“We must not forget that he is very popular in Mexico,” adds the former Caterham F1 driver. “He is very interesting for Red Bull for the energy drink market there. And he brings a large budget to the team. That’s a consideration that is always there despite the caps in place.”