Sergio Perez says he turned down two offers to leave Red Bull

The Mexican driver claims to have turned down these two opportunities despite constant speculation about his future, due to his declining performances alongside his teammate Max Verstappen. Sergio Perez had received a contract extension earlier this year, covering the next season.

Sergio Perez has only scored 48 points in the last 15 races, contributing to Red Bull’s drop to third place in the constructors’ championship, behind McLaren and Ferrari.

“I had an opportunity, two opportunities, to change teams,” Perez told GQ magazine, without revealing which teams had approached him.

When I thought about it, I told myself that I really love the challenge I have at Red Bull. Being Max’s teammate is a huge challenge. It’s a challenge that prepares you for everything.

« So, I decided that I wanted to spend the last part of my career at the top, right at the top, where the pressure is total.

The Perez case under discussion at Red Bull

The names of Liam Lawson, Red Bull reserve driver, and Franco Colapinto, substitute at Williams, are circulating as potential successors to Perez for next season. Rumors persist, especially after Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, admitted that his lack of competitiveness was frustrating.

Sergio Perez responded: « That’s how this sport works. You have one or two bad races, and you are immediately under criticism. But it’s also part of the team culture at Red Bull. The discussions around me, the contracts, all of that, it’s just part of the game. At the end of the day, 90% of the drivers on the grid would like to have my career. »

When you are a pilot, you only think about the next race, the next challenge, the next category, the next contract. It’s always the next one. Sometimes, it’s good to step back and remember all the progress made. It’s a very tough sport.