Christian Horner is gradually hinting that Sergio Pérez will indeed be dismissed after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Multiple sources reported this week that the Mexican driver will have to step down in 2025. The new two-year contract he signed this summer would, in that case, be dissolved. Horner cautiously expresses regret about this contract extension.
Speaking to the media in Abu Dhabi, Christian Horner explained that Sergio Pérez had performed well at the time of his contract extension. “He had four podium finishes in the first five races,” recalled the Red Bull team boss. “To calm him down a bit and maintain that form for the rest of the season, we chose to secure him early. Of course, that didn’t work out. That’s how it goes sometimes in life.” The extension could end up costing Red Bull a lot of money. If Pérez’s contract is indeed dissolved, he can expect a substantial compensation.
After a strong start to the season, Sergio Pérez’s performance sharply declined leading up to the summer break. Even afterwards, he repeatedly fell short against teammate Max Verstappen. The Mexican driver often failed to advance beyond Q1 in qualifications and finished outside the points on multiple occasions. In the past eight races, he scored only 13 points. In comparison, Verstappen collected a whopping 134 points during the same period.
‘Pérez is the Most Frustrated’
As rumors of an impending dismissal continue to intensify, Horner prefers to look back at the seasons in which Pérez performed well. “You have to look beyond the contributions that Checo has made this year,” he explained. “He has been a great team player. Moreover, he is a fantastic person and a popular figure within the team. He has worked very hard in the four years he has been with us and has played a crucial role in the constructors’ championships we have won. If you look purely at the numbers from 2023, this is arguably the best line-up Red Bull has ever had. So, I think no one is more frustrated now than Sergio Pérez himself.”
“Of course, it’s very painful for him,” Horner added. “We will support him until the checkered flag falls on Sunday. Let’s hope he can achieve a good result in the last race of the year.” If Red Bull chooses a new driver in 2025, Horner is glad that the team has a large ‘talent pool’ to draw from. “Isack Hadjar did well during the first free practice on Friday,” Horner concluded proudly. “In addition, there are two very talented drivers at Visa RB. But until there is clarity about the situation with Checo, everything is just speculation.”
