BREAKING: Sergio Perez has told Red Bull how much it would cost

Sergio Perez’s Red Bull Future: A Costly Decision Looms Ahead of 2024 F1 Season

As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches, the spotlight is once again on Sergio Perez, the Mexican driver who has raced with Red Bull Racing since 2021. Recent reports suggest Perez has indicated to Red Bull the financial cost of buying him out of his contract before its official expiration, triggering speculation about his future with the team.

Perez’s Red Bull tenure has been filled with highs and lows, as he’s played a crucial role in helping the team win Constructors’ Championships while also facing challenges keeping up with his teammate, Max Verstappen, the reigning three-time World Champion. With rumors swirling about potential changes in Red Bull’s driver lineup, Perez’s revelation about the buyout cost has intensified the conversation about whether he will remain with the team through 2024.

A Testing 2023 Season for Perez

While Perez started the 2023 season strongly with race wins in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, his form dipped as the year progressed. Several underwhelming performances, particularly in qualifying, allowed Verstappen to extend a commanding lead at the top of the championship. Despite a few solid races, Perez struggled to consistently match Verstappen’s pace, leading to growing dissatisfaction within the Red Bull camp.

With the Mexican driver’s contract set to run until the end of 2024, there has been growing speculation about whether Red Bull would opt for a replacement driver or if Perez himself might seek to exit the team early. Perez’s recent move to inform Red Bull about the potential buyout cost suggests that discussions about his future have reached a serious point.

A Buyout on the Table?

The exact details of Perez’s contract buyout are unknown, but such clauses typically involve hefty financial penalties for the team. If Red Bull chooses to activate the buyout, they would need to compensate Perez for the remainder of his contract, which would include both his base salary and any potential bonuses. For Red Bull, a buyout decision would not be taken lightly, as it could cost millions of dollars.

From Perez’s perspective, providing Red Bull with the buyout figure could also be a strategic move. It places the onus on the team to decide whether they are willing to spend the money to release him, or whether they will continue to work with him through the 2024 season.

Red Bull’s Driver Lineup Dilemma

Red Bull is no stranger to tough decisions regarding their driver lineup. Over the years, the team has shown a willingness to make bold changes, as seen with drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who were both replaced mid-season in previous years. With rising stars such as Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda waiting in the wings, Red Bull has options if they choose to part ways with Perez.

Liam Lawson, who impressed during his stand-in appearances for AlphaTauri in 2023, is viewed as a potential long-term solution for Red Bull. Tsunoda, while still developing, has also shown flashes of potential that could make him an appealing option for the senior team. Adding to the intrigue is the possibility of bringing back Daniel Ricciardo, the former Red Bull driver, who made his comeback with AlphaTauri in late 2023.

Perez’s Next Move

If Perez is bought out of his Red Bull contract, the big question would be where he would go next. With limited seats available at competitive teams, Perez might have to consider a move to a midfield team or even take a sabbatical from the sport. Alternatively, he could explore options in other racing categories, such as endurance racing or Formula E, where his experience and talent would be highly valued.

Regardless of the outcome, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining Sergio Perez’s future in Formula 1. Whether Red Bull opts for continuity or a change, the decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the driver market for the 2024 season and beyond.