Sergio Perez’s spot on the Red Bull team faces uncertainty following a revelation from team principal Christian Horner concerning his contract.
Despite an official announcement from Red Bull that Sergio Perez had re-signed for a two-year period to stay until the end of the F1 2026 season, Christian Horner has sparked speculation by describing it as a “one-plus-one” agreement. This type of contract typically implies that Perez is secured for the first year, with the team holding the option to extend it for another season. This revelation, made to Viaplay in Montreal, suggests Perez’s position might not be as secure as initially thought.
Perez had experienced a promising start to the F1 2024 season, contributing to three one-two finishes for Red Bull in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. However, his performance has wavered recently, failing to secure a spot in the top 10 for the third consecutive race in Canada. This inconsistency has raised doubts about his ability to fulfill the entirety of his new contract, a sentiment echoed by former driver Juan Pablo Montoya who speculated on Red Bull’s potential difficulties in replacing Perez if his performance doesn’t improve.
Montoya shared his insights on W Radio Colombia, mentioning a rumor he heard about Perez’s contract being “one year plus an option for another year.” He noted that Perez’s contract is not a guaranteed two-year deal and stated, “It’s not two years straight,” highlighting the challenge of removing Perez unless his race performances remain subpar. Montoya also emphasized the lengths F1 drivers go to in gaining a competitive edge, sharing quirky tactics like eating pungent foods to irritate teammates.
Perez, who is 34 and made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2011, remains optimistic about his career’s longevity, drawing inspiration from veterans like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. At a Montreal press briefing, he expressed his intention to conclude his career with Red Bull, citing the team’s significant impact on his professional journey. He candidly remarked, “I didn’t sign my last contract,” underscoring his desire to continue racing and give his best to Red Bull until his final lap.
Christian Horner’s disclosure has certainly stirred the pot regarding Sergio Perez’s tenure with Red Bull. Although Perez remains hopeful about his future with the team, his recent performances, coupled with the non-binding nature of his contract, may influence the course of his career. With a focus on achieving stability and success, the coming seasons will be crucial in determining whether Perez will continue his journey with Red Bull.
