According to the Mexican press, it’s game over for Sergio Pérez. After a highly disappointing year for the 34-year-old driver, Red Bull is reportedly planning to replace him prematurely. Checo signed a two-year contract last summer, but is likely to be replaced by a younger driver next year.
The Mexican branch of FoxSports has reported that the decision is final; Sergio Pérez must leave Red Bull after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “Sources close to the team have confirmed that Red Bull does not want to continue with Checo,” the media outlet wrote. Pérez signed a new contract with the Austrian racing team in June, but the team management is now said to ‘radically perceive the situation differently’.
Rumors have been circulating for some time that Sergio Pérez will be replaced prematurely. After several races without scoring points and disappointing qualifications, the Mexican driver came under increasing pressure in the media. Experts called on Red Bull to sacrifice him before the end of the season, but Pérez’s sponsors protected him. Nevertheless, Checo, in the run-up to the last Grand Prix of the season, is only in eighth place in the championship. Meanwhile, his teammate Max Verstappen has won his fourth world title.
‘Pérez Can Draw His Own Conclusions’
After a new setback in Qatar, team boss Christian Horner hinted at an early departure. “We will give him all the support we can until the flag in Abu Dhabi,” he told Sky Sports. “What he decides to do after that is up to him. He is old enough and wise enough to draw his own conclusions.” If Sergio Pérez is indeed dismissed, it remains to be seen who will replace him next year.
Reportedly, both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are ready to step in at Red Bull. Both drivers have proven themselves at Visa RB and are now eyeing promotion. According to insiders, Formula 2 driver Isack Hadjar would move up to the junior team in this case. The French-Algerian driver has already taken part in one free practice session for Red Bull this year.
