The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could spell the end of Sergio Perez’s time as a Red Bull racing driver.
After four seasons, 90 Grand Prix, five victories, 29 podiums and 932 points, Red Bull and Sergio Perez could part ways this winter.
A decision on Perez’s Red Bull might have already been made heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
However, a shareholders meeting on the Monday after the race is when Perez’s future will officially be decided, but the sign aren’t looking good for the 34-year-old.
Perez has been defiant about his future this year even when the chips have been stacked against him.
Unfortunately, a retirement in Qatar after finishing last in the Sprint Race have not helped his chances of retaining his seat.
Perez’s close friend and one-time F1 driver Pietro Fittipaldi was speaking about the Mexican’s future on the F1 Nation Podcast.
He thinks he knows what Perez wants to do next, but whether that’s going to be an option is another matter.
Pietro Fittipaldi knows Sergio Perez ‘wants’ to do next season amid Red Bull exit rumours
Fittipaldi was asked about the speculation surrounding Perez and said: “No, I hate it as well. You know, it’s not good to to see and yeah, maybe it is the for the best for him if he doesn’t continue next year.
“But as a friend and I know he’s a racer, I know he wants to race so I think we’ll know soon what’s gonna happen.
“But if they do choose to go with someone else and it’s going to be within their their pool of drivers.
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Sergio Perez’s life outside F1 from net worth to nickname
“And I wouldn’t put Tsunoda to be honest. I think the tests that they’re gonna do in Abu Dhabi, you can definitely tell but it’s so hard to compare the test with the track with the race weekend because the track evolves and you’re not using the same engine settings most of the time.
“So, it’s always hard to get like a full comparison like, oh, he’s close to the pole lap or the race time.
“But I think just by looking at some of the data they can get an indication of if he’s doing a decent job.”
Red Bull yet to make final call on Sergio Perez and which driver will might replace him in 2025
Until confirmation comes from Red Bull, Perez will be hoping that his contract for 2025 and beyond is honoured despite his admitting himself that this season has been ‘terrible’.
However, the decision to choose who might replace Perez isn’t straightforward either.
Yuki Tsunoda has been linked with Red Bull after four seasons with sister team RB.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links
Liam Lawson is also in contention to drive for Red Bull despite having only taken part in 10 Grand Prix so far.
The RB pair appear to be the most likely candidates with Helmut Marko ruling out a move for Franco Colapinto.
Whatever happens, Perez wants to keep racing but whether that will be possible with Red Bull remains to be seen.
Leave feedback about this