Sergio Pérez’s future at Red Bull appears uncertain as discussions between the Mexican driver and the team are set to take place following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Reports suggest that Pérez’s departure from Red Bull is likely to be confirmed soon, with sources indicating team principal Christian Horner has already engaged in multiple talks with Pérez’s agent, Julian Jakobi, to negotiate an amicable split.
The decision comes after a challenging season for Pérez, who struggled to match the performance of his teammate and four-time World Champion Max Verstappen. Pérez managed only 49 points over the last 18 races and retired after just two laps in the final Grand Prix. His significant points gap to Verstappen—285 points—underscored the disparity in performance. Acknowledging his struggles, Horner commented, “The benchmark is always your teammate. The car has won nine races with Max at the wheel. [But] it’s been far from the easiest car, and Max is the hardest teammate in the world to have.”
Pérez signed a two-year contract extension in June but now admits his future with Red Bull is uncertain. While he remains under contract for 2024, he has openly stated, “We’re going to be talking in the coming days and we will discuss what’s the situation from both parties if we are able to reach an agreement. If not, I have a contract for next year.” He has ruled out voluntarily walking away, adding complexity to the ongoing talks.
Red Bull is reportedly considering moving Pérez into an ambassadorial role, maintaining his current $8 million annual salary. This would involve global marketing duties and appearances but no racing responsibilities. Such a shift could pave the way for Liam Lawson, who impressed during his brief stint as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement earlier this season, to take Pérez’s seat.
The team’s driver dynamics remain fluid, with questions about Yuki Tsunoda’s long-term future and whether Isack Hadjar, a young driver currently in Formula 2, could rise through the ranks. Horner emphasized the need for two strong drivers to maintain competitiveness, saying, “It’s crucial that both of our drivers are delivering, and there’s not a significant gap.”
A decision on Pérez’s future is expected soon, marking a pivotal moment for Red Bull as it plans its driver lineup for 2024 and beyond.
