Sergio Perez’s 2024 Formula 1 season has been nothing short of miserable, and finally, he can say it’s over after another dismal race this weekend.
The Mexican retired from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on lap one, after contact with Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas sent him spinning.
It underlined what has been a pretty disastrous year for him, including a 19-race stretch of no podium finishes in a car that has won the drivers’ championship.
His Red Bull future is up in the air and will be decided over the coming weeks – but his lack of performance arguably cost them two spots in the constructors’s standings – so how can he stay?
Sergio Perez’s father hints at Red Bull departure with social media post
Perez scored nine points during the last eight races of the season – which is a mind-boggling stat for anyone in a front-running car.
Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are hot on his heels for his seat – which he is under contract for in 2025 but comes under no guarantees such is the nature of Formula 1.
This week’s testing in Abu Dhabi could help give us a clearer picture of who will be alongside Max Verstappen in 2025.
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That’s not to say that Perez’s career would be over if he were to depart the team, as his race-winning experience could be of use to someone else for 2026.
In a cryptic post on Instagram, his father thanked him – offering no other clues as to what his post related to.
“Gracias Checo,” he said.
Where could Perez go for 2026?
Perez may have a few options for 2026, especially considering the substantial sponsorship cash he brings with him.
Cadillac are a new entry and will need two capable and consistent drivers who can help them build the team up from a foundation level.
Returning to former team Aston Martin – whom he is adored by, to replace Lance Stroll and reunite with Adrian Newey wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
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He knows the place inside out, and he was suited to their car during his time there – the only question would be whether he still has the outright pace.
Wherever he does go if he finds himself without a seat, he is going to be a valuable commodity and his Red Bull-specific problems may all of a sudden disappear within a new environment.
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