F1 News Today: Audi Announcement Sends Shockwaves Through F1 as Sergio Perez Set to Exit Red Bull...

Sergio Perez Set to Exit Red Bull as Audi Announcement Sends Shockwaves Through F1

Reports have surfaced suggesting that Sergio Perez will leave Red Bull at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, raising questions about his future with the team. The rumors began circulating shortly after Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, indicated that a significant decision was looming. Perez’s performance throughout the season has been underwhelming, and his struggles continued at the recent Qatar Grand Prix, intensifying doubts about his place with the team.

Perez’s season has been filled with challenges, and despite starting in the top ten at the Qatar Grand Prix, his race ended in disappointment. A clutch failure, coupled with a spin, forced him to retire from the race, resulting in a “Did Not Finish” (DNF). This came on the back of a pointless performance in the F1 Sprint race the day before. As Perez left Qatar, he trailed his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen by a staggering 277 points in the Drivers’ Championship. Verstappen, who secured the 2024 title, continues to dominate the season, while Perez’s lackluster results have hampered Red Bull’s challenge in the Constructors’ Championship.

Despite his struggles, Horner emphasized after the Qatar GP that Perez’s future with Red Bull remains in his hands. He suggested that Perez has the autonomy to decide what happens next, highlighting the support the team will provide him through the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

“Checo’s been a wonderful driver for us,” Horner remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. “Certainly in 2021, 2022, and 2023, he contributed to Max’s championship in 2021 and the Constructors’ Championships in 2022 and 2023. Most of all, he’s a great guy, and he’s not enjoying the situation that he’s in at the moment. He knows the pressures of this business.”

Horner also assured that Red Bull will continue to back Perez for the remainder of the season, stating, “We’re going to give him all the support we can until the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi next weekend.”

However, Horner’s comments have done little to quell speculation surrounding Perez’s future. Although the Mexican driver is under contract with Red Bull for the 2025 season, multiple reports suggest that his exit is imminent. According to sources like The Race and ESPN, Red Bull is preparing to part ways with Perez after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, regardless of his performance in the remaining race. These reports point to internal discussions that frame Perez’s departure as inevitable, focusing more on how the team will handle his exit rather than if it will happen at all.

While Horner refrained from confirming any decisions about the 2025 driver lineup, he hinted that Perez would take time to reflect on his future. “I think that he’s old enough and wise enough to come to his own conclusions,” Horner stated. “But there’s still a race to go. Let’s get to the end of Abu Dhabi and see where we are.”

Perez, who has been with Red Bull since 2021, played a critical role in securing team success, particularly in helping Verstappen secure his first world title in 2021. His strong performances in previous seasons also contributed to Red Bull’s dominance in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022 and 2023. However, his form has dipped significantly in 2024, leading to speculation about his future with the team.

As the final race of the season approaches in Abu Dhabi, the question remains whether Perez will continue with Red Bull or move on to new opportunities. The speculation surrounding his exit coincides with Audi’s plans to enter Formula 1, fueling further rumors about potential shifts in the driver market. Audi’s forthcoming entry has already sent shockwaves through the paddock, and Perez’s potential exit could be the first of many changes as teams prepare for the new era of F1 competition.

Regardless of what happens in the final race of the season, one thing is clear: the decision on Perez’s future with Red Bull is approaching quickly. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team manages the situation and whether Perez decides to stay or move on from his three-year stint with the dominant F1 team.