Sergio Perez’s position at Red Bull Racing is becoming increasingly precarious, despite having signed a two-year contract extension earlier this year. Following a disappointing run of 14 races without a podium finish, which culminated in the recent United States Grand Prix, Perez is facing mounting pressure both personally and within the team. His struggles have not only widened the gap between him and teammate Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship—over 200 points—but they have also contributed to Red Bull losing its lead in the Constructors’ standings to McLaren, with Ferrari close behind.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, has made it clear that Perez’s future with the team is uncertain if he fails to improve his performance in the remaining races of the season. He stated that while Perez has a contract, performance is paramount in Formula 1, and underperformance could lead to a reevaluation of his role. Marko emphasized that the final decision regarding Perez’s status will depend on who can best support Verstappen in the upcoming season. This creates an atmosphere of urgency for Perez, who must deliver strong results to secure his place.
Despite Marko’s assertions, former F1 driver Martin Brundle pointed out the complexities of terminating a driver’s contract. He highlighted that contracts are legally binding and lodged with the Contract Recognition Board, making it difficult to simply dismiss a driver without mutual agreement. While it is possible to negotiate an exit, Brundle warned that doing so is not straightforward, especially considering the commercial implications involved. Furthermore, he noted that when Perez is performing well, he acts as a strong support for Verstappen, indicating that there is still value in retaining him.
As Perez heads into his home race at the Mexican Grand Prix, he is feeling the dual pressures of national expectation and the need to perform for his team. During Friday’s practice, he finished ninth and was outpaced by Valtteri Bottas’s Sauber, which may only add to the tension surrounding him. Brundle commented on the heavy pressure Perez faces and stressed the importance of delivering results like any other Grand Prix. He suggested that if Perez can secure a good finish, it could alleviate some of the scrutiny he is under, at least temporarily.
In response to the speculation surrounding his future, Perez has remained defiant, even sharing a video clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street,” where Leonardo DiCaprio famously declares, “I’m not leaving!” This statement reflects Perez’s determination to fight for his position amidst the swirling rumors of potential retirement and changes within the team. As the season draws to a close, the stakes are high for Perez, who must find a way to regain his form and solidify his role at Red Bull, or risk being sidelined as the team prepares for the future.
