Sergio Perez is facing increased scrutiny regarding his performance as a potential candidate for replacement at Red Bull, particularly with Liam Lawson emerging as a strong contender. Lawson returns to Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB, after stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo, who was dropped due to poor results. This situation puts additional pressure on Perez to improve his form in the final races of the season, as he may find himself under threat if Lawson impresses during this critical period.
Initially, Red Bull had hoped that Ricciardo would perform well enough to take Perez’s seat, providing a stronger teammate for Max Verstappen in 2025. However, Ricciardo’s disappointing results led to his dismissal, which opened the door for Lawson to showcase his talent. With six races remaining, Lawson is in a prime position to secure his future in Formula 1, either by excelling alongside Yuki Tsunoda at VCARB or potentially stepping up to Red Bull, as suggested by former driver Timo Glock.
Despite the looming threat of replacement, Perez is not conceding defeat easily. He has publicly dismissed rumors of his retirement with a humorous social media post referencing a popular scene from *The Wolf of Wall Street*, signaling his intent to continue competing. Nevertheless, his current performance raises concerns about his future with the team, especially if Lawson can deliver strong results in the upcoming races.
Glock emphasized the importance of performance in determining Perez’s fate, stating that the duration of Lawson’s presence in VCARB could indicate Red Bull’s intentions. If Lawson excels in the last six races, Perez may find it increasingly difficult to justify his position. While Perez has a two-year contract extension signed in May, his performance must improve to secure his place, as the competition intensifies.
Additionally, Perez’s success is crucial not just for his career but also for Verstappen’s championship hopes, as McLaren’s Lando Norris is closing in on Verstappen’s lead in the title race. Norris can rely on his teammate Oscar Piastri for support, while Verstappen has struggled to depend on Perez’s consistency. Moreover, Red Bull is also seeking to reclaim its lead in the Constructors’ Championship, having recently lost its position to McLaren, further adding to the stakes for Perez in the remaining races.
