F1 FUTURE TALKS: Sergio Perez contract ‘USELESS’ as Helmut Ma..

Red Bull to Reassess Sergio Perez’s Future at the End of 2024 Season Amid Performance Struggles

Sergio Perez’s contract with Red Bull Racing has become a point of uncertainty, as Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, confirmed that the team will assess Perez’s future at the end of the 2024 season. This announcement comes despite Perez signing a two-year contract earlier this year, which should have theoretically secured his seat with the team until the end of 2025.

Marko emphasized that Formula 1 is ultimately a merit-based sport, where contracts are secondary to performance. “Perez may have a contract, but Formula 1 is a meritocracy. If the performance is not right, even contracts are useless,” Marko stated, indicating that the security provided by Perez’s contract holds little weight if his results do not improve.

This leaves Perez’s future in a precarious position, with the final decision on his role within the team deferred until the end of the current season. Red Bull will evaluate its options carefully, with a focus on finding the most competitive teammate for Max Verstappen in 2025. “At the end of the season, we will sit down together and decide who is the best team-mate for Verstappen at Red Bull,” Marko said, confirming that the team will explore all possible options.

Perez has faced a tough stretch since April, failing to secure a podium finish in his last 14 races. This run of poor form has left him vulnerable, despite early-season expectations that he would be a strong contender alongside Verstappen. Rumors even surfaced that Perez could be dropped from the team before the Mexican Grand Prix, though Red Bull decided to retain him through the remainder of the 2024 season. However, his position with the team is far from secure, and it is clear he must make significant improvements in his performance to hold on to his seat.

Marko acknowledged the pressure on Perez but dismissed the rumors of his immediate departure from the team. “He himself says there is no truth in it. Let’s see, but he has to improve his performance,” Marko said. While Perez’s recent struggles have raised questions, Marko stressed that the Mexican driver is still in control of his destiny, though the clock is ticking for him to demonstrate his value to the team.

Adding to the pressure on Perez is the rise of Liam Lawson, a young driver who impressed during the United States Grand Prix. Lawson’s strong performance has caught the attention of Red Bull’s leadership, with Marko hinting that the team is considering him for a future role. “Lawson is definitely a man for the future,” Marko commented, suggesting that Perez’s seat may not be as secure as it once seemed. Lawson’s potential inclusion in the Red Bull lineup adds another layer of competition for the coveted second seat alongside Verstappen.

Red Bull’s struggles in pairing a consistent driver with Verstappen have impacted their standing in the Constructors’ Championship. The team is currently trailing McLaren, who leads by 40 points. This deficit has further highlighted the need for a reliable and competitive second driver at Red Bull, a role Perez has yet to consistently fulfill in the 2024 season.

In conclusion, Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull Racing remains uncertain as his performance has faltered throughout much of the 2024 season. Although his contract extends through 2025, Red Bull’s final decision on whether to retain him will be made after the season’s conclusion. With rising stars like Liam Lawson vying for a spot on the team and Red Bull eager to close the gap in the Constructors’ Championship, Perez will need to deliver strong results in the remaining races if he hopes to remain Verstappen’s teammate in 2025.