Perez set to LEAVE Red Bull as Horner confirms massive.....

Perez set to LEAVE Red Bull as Horner confirms massive…..read more

Sergio Perez is expected to leave Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, with speculation about his future mounting following recent comments by team principal Christian Horner. Perez’s underperformance throughout the year, highlighted by his disappointing results at the Qatar Grand Prix, has fueled growing doubts about his place at the team.

The Mexican driver, who has been with Red Bull since 2021, has faced increasing pressure this season. At the Qatar Grand Prix, Perez failed to finish the race after a clutch failure and a spin, adding to his frustration. Despite starting in the top ten, he was unable to secure a points finish. His struggles were compounded by his lack of points in Saturday’s F1 Sprint event. Perez now sits an incredible 277 points behind his teammate Max Verstappen, who clinched the 2024 drivers’ championship with ease. This disparity has significantly hampered Red Bull’s overall challenge in the constructors’ championship, where they have dominated in recent years.

In the aftermath of the Qatar GP, Horner addressed the situation, stating that the decision about Perez’s future would ultimately be in the driver’s hands. While acknowledging Perez’s valuable contributions to the team, Horner also recognized the pressure the driver has been under, both from within Red Bull and the wider F1 world. Perez had played a crucial role in Red Bull’s success in recent years, particularly in 2021, where his efforts were instrumental in Max Verstappen’s title fight. He also contributed significantly to the team’s constructors’ championships in 2022 and 2023. However, his form in 2024 has been far below expectations, especially when compared to the dominant performances of Verstappen.

Horner praised Perez as a “wonderful driver” and emphasized that he was well aware of the pressures of the sport. He also mentioned that the team would continue to support Perez throughout the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, with the decision regarding his future to be made by the driver himself. “Checo’s been a wonderful driver for us, you know certainly in ‘21, ‘22, ‘23, he contributed to Max’s championship obviously in ‘21, constructors’ championships in ‘22, ’23, and most of all he’s a great guy and he’s not enjoying the situation that he’s in at the moment,” Horner told Sky Sports.

Despite this supportive stance, Horner made it clear that the ball was in Perez’s court when it came to deciding what to do next. Horner pointed out that Perez, being experienced and wise, would be able to come to his own conclusions about his future. “What he decides to do, that will be his decision at the end of the day,” Horner stated, adding that the focus was on finishing the final race of the season before any final decisions were made.

Despite these comments, there are widespread reports suggesting that Perez’s time at Red Bull is coming to an end. According to sources like The Race, it is no longer a question of whether Perez will be replaced, but rather how his departure will be handled. Perez is still under contract for the 2025 season, but multiple outlets, including ESPN, are reporting that Red Bull is ready to part ways with the Mexican driver after the season finale in Abu Dhabi. This development comes amid increasing frustration within the team over Perez’s inability to match Verstappen’s performance and the growing gap in points between the two drivers.

For Perez, the end of his time at Red Bull could mark the conclusion of a turbulent chapter in his career. After a strong start to his tenure with the team, including several podium finishes and even race wins, his recent form has left both fans and pundits questioning whether he can continue at the highest level of the sport. Red Bull has yet to confirm the reports, with GPFans reaching out to the team for comment, but the rumors surrounding Perez’s exit continue to build as the season comes to a close.

With the 2024 season winding down, all eyes will now be on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Perez will likely be hoping for a strong performance to end the year on a high note. However, regardless of the outcome, it seems that a change in Red Bull’s driver lineup is on the horizon. Whether Perez decides to leave on his own terms or if Red Bull makes the decision for him, his future in Formula 1 looks set to take a new direction after the 2024 season.