Sergio Perez could leave Red Bull after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Red Bull seems increasingly inclined to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season. Although the Mexican driver had stated that he would remain Max Verstappen's teammate next year, as previously announced, the reality has remained uncertain for several months.
Since Red Bull seriously considered parting ways with him during the summer break, Sergio Perez’s position has become fragile. With only one race remaining in 2025, in Abu Dhabi, the team’s director, Christian Horner, stated that Red Bull » would assess its options after Abu Dhabi » and that it was still necessary to determine « which path to take with Sergio ».
However, according to rumors, it now seems that the question is not whether Sergio Perez will be replaced, but how to handle his departure. Liam Lawson is expected to team up with Max Verstappen next season.
A difficult season for Perez
Sergio Perez failed to reverse the trend this year during crucial weekends, unlike in previous years. Apart from his success in Baku, he has not shown the same level of performance as earlier in the season, and his results since April have been disappointing. Even when he managed to secure a place on the front row in Spa, he ended up far behind the other drivers from the leading teams.
If Max Verstappen has sometimes complained about the limits of the RB20, Perez has not been able to overcome these difficulties like his teammate. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, suggested that if Red Bull developed a less demanding car, the Mexican could become competitive again. However, these issues do not entirely justify the performance gaps, nor the many eliminations in Q1, 7 in total, and the low total of points scored.
An inevitable change
For weeks, Red Bull has been considering that the best solution would be for Perez to acknowledge that his time in the team is over and to retire. This would avoid costly compensation and maintain his connection with the Red Bull brand. Christian Horner indeed hinted in Qatar that Perez should
Draw your own conclusions.
However, the driver is aware of his precarious situation and does not seem ready to leave without adequate compensation. Christian Horner said: « He is mature and experienced enough to know where he stands. »
Liam Lawson is expected to replace him. Although he lacks experience with only 11 starts in F1 by 2025, his recent performance with the Racing Bulls team has convinced Red Bull of his qualities. Lawson has shown a mental strength appreciated in a demanding environment such as the Austrian team.
Red Bull should also promote Isack Hadjar in F1, who could join Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar, title contender in Formula 2, could strengthen his candidacy if he wins the championship at the Abu Dhabi final.
While Red Bull had hoped for a clear and ideal lineup for the 2025 season, the current situation remains complex. But one thing seems certain: the future of Sergio Perez at Red Bull is becoming increasingly uncertain.
