Perez lands NEW drive as Red Bull reveal contract regrets…….read more
Perez lands NEW drive as Red Bull reveal contract regrets…….read more
At Red Bull Racing is under scrutiny following a disappointing 2024 season, but the Mexican driver has secured a new opportunity with the team. Team principal Christian Horner recently admitted regret over the decision to extend Perez’s contract earlier in the year, acknowledging that it did not yield the results they had hoped for. The extension came after Perez had a strong start to the season, securing four podiums in the first five races. In an effort to solidify his position and maintain his momentum, Red Bull opted to renew his contract early. However, as the season progressed, Perez’s performances declined, leading Horner to reflect on the decision.
Despite this, Perez has remained optimistic about his future with the team, stating that he believes Red Bull will honor his contract. He only began to show signs of doubt following a non-finish (DNF) in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which further dampened his hopes for the remainder of the season. The driver’s future with Red Bull has now become a topic of significant discussion, with team officials expected to meet during the winter break to make a final decision regarding his position for the 2025 season.
Horner’s comments, made during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, highlighted that Perez’s early season form had initially given the team confidence. However, with poor results persisting throughout the remainder of the year, the early extension now appears to have been premature. Horner’s regret underscores the frustration Red Bull has experienced as they search for consistency from their second driver to complement the dominant performance of Max Verstappen.
While Perez’s future at Red Bull remains uncertain, he has secured an exciting new venture with the team. In a recent social media post, Perez shared a video of himself testing the new Ford Raptor T1+, a V8-powered off-road car designed for the Dakar Rally. The vehicle is a result of collaboration between Red Bull and Ford, as the American automaker is set to join the F1 team to help develop a next-generation power unit, which will be used from 2026 onward.
However, Red Bull’s decision on Perez’s future could still impact his involvement in this partnership. The team is reportedly considering alternative drivers for their 2025 lineup, including junior drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. This adds more uncertainty to Perez’s standing within the team, as Red Bull evaluates whether to continue with him or promote one of their younger talents for the next season. Red Bull’s upcoming decision could have a significant effect on Perez’s prospects, both in F1 and in future collaborations with the team.