Sergio Pérez’s Red Bull Exit: What’s Next for the F1 Star?
The Formula 1 world is buzzing with the latest news: Sergio Pérez is set to leave Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, according to sources who spoke with ESPN. This revelation comes just days before the season finale in Abu Dhabi, and it’s safe to say the paddock is already speculating about what’s next for both Pérez and Red Bull.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Red Bull has decided to part ways with Pérez following Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While the decision isn’t entirely shocking given Pérez’s struggles this season, it still marks a significant shake-up for one of Formula 1’s most high-profile teams.
Christian Horner Drops Hints
Team boss Christian Horner didn’t exactly deny the rumors when asked about Pérez’s future after the Qatar Grand Prix. “I’m going to let Checo [Pérez] come to his own conclusions; nobody’s forcing him one way or another,” Horner said. “It’s not a nice situation for him to obviously be in.”
While Horner’s comments were diplomatic, they certainly didn’t dispel the notion that Pérez’s time with Red Bull is coming to an end. Discussions about the next steps are set to take place on December 9, the day after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, between Pérez, Horner, and Red Bull racing adviser Helmut Marko.
What’s Next for Pérez?
Although Pérez signed a 2025 contract extension earlier this year, it doesn’t guarantee him a seat in the car. Instead, Red Bull could move him into an ambassadorial role within the company. This is a route the team has taken before; Daniel Ricciardo was offered a similar option when he was dropped from the junior team earlier this year. However, Ricciardo chose to cut ties with Red Bull entirely.
Should Pérez decide to leave Red Bull altogether, there’s speculation he could find a new home with Cadillac in 2026. His immense popularity and marketing appeal in North America make him an attractive option for the new team, which has an agreement in principle with General Motors to join the grid that year.
Who Will Replace Pérez?
As for who will take Pérez’s seat, all signs point to Liam Lawson. The Red Bull junior driver, who stepped in for Ricciardo at the U.S. Grand Prix, is reportedly the favorite to move up to the senior team. However, Red Bull’s driver lineup has been notoriously unpredictable this year, so nothing is set in stone.
Another name that had been floated as a potential candidate was Williams rookie Franco Colapinto. But sources say his recent performances, including costly crashes in Brazil and Las Vegas, have taken him out of the running. When asked about Colapinto, Horner said, “He, for sure, is a talent that’s looking to earn his permanent place in Formula 1. We have a great pool of talent within the Red Bull junior team, and I’m sure Franco will find his way onto the grid in the future.”
Meanwhile, Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar is also making waves. Hadjar, who could win the Formula 2 championship in Abu Dhabi, is expected to step up to the junior team as Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate. He’ll also be participating in first practice for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi, as well as the post-race test next week.
Pérez’s Struggles in 2024
Pérez’s departure isn’t just about Red Bull’s future; it’s also a reflection of his disappointing 2024 season. The Mexican driver hasn’t finished inside the top six since the Miami Grand Prix in May. His poor form has been a major factor in Red Bull’s slip to third place in the constructors’ championship, behind McLaren and Ferrari.
While teammate Max Verstappen has dominated the drivers’ championship, leading nearest rival Lando Norris by 80 points, the team is 59 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ standings. Pérez’s 227-point deficit to Verstappen is the largest margin between a world champion and their teammate in a season under the current points system.
What Does This Mean for F1?
Pérez’s exit marks the end of an era for Red Bull and raises questions about the team’s future dynamics. Will Liam Lawson rise to the occasion if given the opportunity? Can Red Bull reclaim its dominance in the constructors’ championship? And where will Pérez land next? One thing is certain: the 2025 season is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory.
Originally Written by: Nate Saunders
