Daniel Ricciardo received news on Thursday that he is being immediately replaced by Liam Lawson, marking what appears to be the end of the Australian’s career. After a questionable season with Visa RB, Ricciardo is being forced into early retirement. Will Sergio Pérez share a similar fate, or will he retain his seat at Red Bull? The Mexican driver himself feels his career is nearing its end.
Daniel Ricciardo was sacrificed on Thursday due to his poor performance in the past season. However, according to experts, Sergio Pérez has also dropped too many points in recent months. Pérez showed some life in Baku, but disappointed in the Grands Prix leading up to it. In the last twelve races, Checo scored 41 points. In comparison, teammate Max Verstappen collected 195 points in the same period!
Some fans are wondering if Liam Lawson should have replaced Sergio Pérez instead. The 34-year-old driver has a contract until 2026, but he also feels that the end of his career is approaching. However, Pérez would rather leave on his own terms, instead of through a forced dismissal.
‘I Don’t See Myself Racing for Much Longer’
“I’ve been contemplating retirement for the past six months,” said Sergio Pérez ahead of the Singapore GP. “In the end, it took me three seconds to make a decision. Of course, it would be easy to give up that way, but I would never forgive myself.” Pérez emphasized that he doesn’t want to be sidelined like Ricciardo. “I’ll stop when I want to,” he explained.
“For now, I’m very motivated,” Pérez said about his current season. “I really want to continue in Formula 1. I still enjoy it immensely, both the good and the bad moments.” In June, the Red Bull driver extended his contract for another two years. The question is whether he will really last that long. “I know the end is getting closer,” he admitted. “I don’t see myself as a Fernando (Alonso), although I admire what he still achieves at his age.”
Pérez emphasized that his children are more important to him than an extended career in the sport. “I want to spend much more time with them,” he concluded. “They will ultimately set the limit. I can keep it up for another two years, but I really don’t see myself in Formula 1 for much longer.”
