Perez set for Red Bull EXIT as Audi BOMBSHELL emerges...

Perez set for Red Bull EXIT as Audi BOMBSHELL emerges….read more

Sergio Perez is reportedly set to leave Red Bull at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, with uncertainty surrounding his future just days after team principal Christian Horner hinted that a major decision was coming. Despite being under contract for next season, Perez’s disappointing performance in the 2024 campaign has cast doubts on whether he will continue with the team.

Perez’s struggles have been particularly evident in recent races, including the Qatar Grand Prix, where his poor form persisted. After qualifying in the top ten, the Mexican driver failed to finish the race due to a clutch failure and a spin, leaving him without any points. Additionally, Perez ended up pointless in the F1 Sprint, further highlighting his difficult season. This poor form has compounded the issues for Red Bull, especially as Perez trails his teammate Max Verstappen by a staggering 277 points, which has significantly impacted the team’s challenge in the constructors’ championship standings.

After the Qatar Grand Prix, Horner addressed Perez’s future, acknowledging the driver’s contributions to Red Bull’s success in recent years. Horner emphasized that Perez played a key role in the team’s achievements, including Max Verstappen’s 2021 championship victory and Red Bull’s constructors’ championships in 2022 and 2023. Despite Perez’s struggles in 2024, Horner described him as a “wonderful driver” and a “great guy” who was undoubtedly feeling the weight of the current pressure. The Red Bull boss also pointed out that Perez is aware of the challenges and pressures of being in Formula 1, particularly with Red Bull’s dominance in recent seasons.

Despite these reassurances, Horner made it clear that the decision regarding Perez’s future would ultimately rest with the driver himself. “Checo’s not enjoying the situation that he’s in at the moment, and he knows the pressures of this business,” Horner stated. “We’re going to give him all the support that we can until the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi next weekend. What he decides to do, that will be his decision at the end of the day.” Horner also mentioned that Perez is “old enough and wise enough” to come to his own conclusions, adding that Red Bull would wait until after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to finalize any decisions regarding their 2025 driver lineup.

Although Horner remained cautious in his statements, suggesting that Perez still has a chance to turn things around in the final race of the season, reports from various sources are now suggesting that Perez’s time at Red Bull is likely coming to an end. According to The Race, the focus has shifted from whether Perez will be replaced to how his exit will be handled. ESPN has also reported that Red Bull is planning to part ways with the Mexican driver after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, regardless of his performance in the final race.

Despite Perez being under contract for 2025, there is growing speculation that Red Bull will make a change in their driver lineup for next season. The team has not officially confirmed these reports, and when GPFans contacted Red Bull for clarification, the team declined to comment on Perez’s future until after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

This news has set off discussions about potential replacements for Perez at Red Bull. While the team has not disclosed their plans, many believe Red Bull could turn to another driver for 2025, with a possible focus on securing a future partnership with Audi, who are set to enter F1 as an engine supplier in 2026. As the team’s dominance continues, Red Bull may look to strengthen their lineup to maintain their competitive edge, and Perez’s underwhelming 2024 season may ultimately make way for a new direction.

As Red Bull prepares for the final race of the season, all eyes will be on Perez’s performance in Abu Dhabi. Despite the mounting pressure, the driver is focused on making the most of his remaining time with the team, with no official announcement regarding his future expected until after the race. With Audi’s entry on the horizon, the future of Red Bull’s driver lineup could look significantly different in 2025, marking a potential turning point for both Perez and the team.