Sergio Perez’s time at Red Bull in Formula 1 looks to be coming to a rather disappointing end after four seasons.
The Mexican had the chance to sign off on a positive note by retiring at either his home race at the Mexico City Grand Prix or the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Perez struggled in comparison to teammate Max Verstappen and was the only driver from the top four teams not to win a race in 2024.
If he leaves the grid now, his only opportunity to return to Formula 1 could be in 2026 if he can convince someone that he still has the outright speed.
Reportedly, Red Bull have decided who will replace Perez with Liam Lawson expected to be the team’s first choice.
It means that Yuki Tsunoda may have to remain with Visa Cash App RB for a fifth year and may begin to look elsewhere for opportunities.
Sergio Perez wasn’t ‘super together’ with Red Bull car in 2021 and never got over it
Perez struggled with a very difficult braking issue which plagued his pace and confidence in 2024, failing to find a solution for it at all.
For the majority of his time with Red Bull, he couldn’t gel with the car at all and it was a major part of his deficit to Verstappen.
Perez showed signs of the same struggles after one day of testing back in 2021 before his first race for the team at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
READ MORE: Sergio Perez’s three-word statement before Red Bull debut explains why he’s about to lose his seat
“The car feels good. [It] just keeps getting better and better every time I jump in,” he told F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast. “It has been good to know it and just work our way through it. The car is pretty good, has good potential.
“But there is still a lot of work and development to be done and to be had at the races in the coming months. I always say it’s not so important where you start in Bahrain, it’s where you finish in Abu Dhabi.
“I’m comfortable but I know I’m not super together with the car and I know that there are still areas to improve. But I’m also very patient for it.”
Where should Perez go if he loses his F1 seat?
With no other openings on the grid for 2025, Perez would have to wait until 2026 if he wants to continue his F1 career.
Having finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship in a car which won the title, he’s got some explaining to do to any potential suitors though.
Cadillac are a new team on the scene and will require someone with experience and the capability to deliver a consistent baseline.
READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher shares when Sergio Perez nearly lost his Red Bull F1 seat early
Known as the tyre whisperer for so many years, the 35-year-old probably has some of that left in him and it could be of great use.
Developing a new car at a new organisation with great ambitions could be the perfect way for Perez to rebuild his reputation and legacy before signing off for good.
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