The 2025 Formula 1 grid is set to be completed very soon with just one vacancy officially remaining.
RB have only signed up Yuki Tsunoda for next year, but that doesn’t mean there’s only going to be one more decision made for 2025.
Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen both have Red Bull contracts for next season, with the Dutchman tied down until the end of 2028.
Perez’s contract is under serious threat after a year of failing to live up to expectations.
He finished nearly 300 points behind his teammate in a car that while being incredibly difficult to drive, was fundamentally fast as Verstappen proved.
The 27-year-old won on nine occasions – albeit with most of the victories coming at the beginning of the season – while Perez is on a 19-race streak without a podium.
It means that Red Bull have been forced into deciding what to do with Perez heading into next year.
Red Bull can make Perez an ambassador should they want to retain his services but not put him in a race seat.
Helmut Marko is a chief advisor for the Austrian team and appeared on the Inside Line Podcast to discuss everything about Red Bull’s latest campaign.
He was happy to talk about Perez’s future and while he didn’t reveal whether he’ll be in the seat in 2025 or not, he did give an insight into how they’ve come to whatever conclusion will be shared very soon.
Helmut Marko says Red Bull shareholders involved in Sergio Perez decision for the ‘first time’
A meeting took place on Monday that was set to confirm which four drivers would make up the initial Red Bull / RB quartet for 2025.
It was telling that a decision was likely made before Tsunoda tested for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi as he tried to prove his case for a potential promotion.
Marko was asked if a decision has been made on Perez’s future and said: “There are negotiations ongoing and I am positive that there will be a decision and announcement this week.
READ MORE: Who is Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko? Everything to know
“It’s a complex story. You are right, it was the first time that the shareholders were involved.
“But as I said, positive negotiations [are] ongoing.
“But be patient. I believe this week will be decisions and [the] announcement done.”
Sergio Perez playing Red Bull waiting game after visit to the team’s factory
When the chequered flag flew in Abu Dhabi, plenty of drivers stuck around for one final day of testing.
Carlos Sainz tested twice for Williams having left Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton.
Nico Hulkenberg has already outpaced Valtteri Bottas in his Sauber which highlights how the average level of the grid could improve even further in 2025.
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Sergio Perez’s life outside F1 from net worth to nickname
However, neither Verstappen nor Perez were required by Red Bull, with Tsunoda joined by Isack Hadjar in their two cars last week.
Tsunoda’s test was promised via his partnership with Audi, meaning both drivers were not eligible to take part.
Instead, Perez visited the Red Bull factory alongside Verstappen following a gruelling campaign for both the drivers, the trackside team and those in Milton Keynes.
Everyone is now patiently waiting to see whether it was the Mexican’s final visit as a Red Bull driver.
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