The 2024 Formula 1 season couldn’t have gone much worse for Red Bull driver Sergio Perez.
After helping Red Bull achieve their first one-two finish in the Drivers’ Championship in their history, Sergio Perez has failed to follow up that feat in 2024.
After following Max Verstappen home at three of the first four races, Perez has drifted into the midfield more often than Red Bull could afford.
Heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Perez already knew he would be finishing eighth in the championship this year.
Despite Verstappen winning his fourth consecutive title, Red Bull also knew that they had no chance of retaining the team title.
That has meant the pressure was been slowly increasing on Perez as the season has gone on, despite signing a new deal ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
The Mexican driver is on a run of 19 Grand Prix without a podium as the final race in Abu Dhabi couldn’t have gone much worse.
He spoke to journalist Lawrence Barretto in the media pen and admitted ‘for the first time’ that he may not be on the grid in 2025.
Sergio Perez ‘admitted’ his confidence was wavering on 2025 Red Bull seat
Perez started the race in 10th after reaching Q3 but failed to set a time worthy of anything other than a place on the fifth row.
It meant he was right in the middle of a congested midfield and after watching his teammate spin Oscar Piastri, he unfortunately got caught in the crossfire later in the lap.
Perez was then caught out a few corners later, with Valtteri Bottas making contact with his Red Bull as Kevin Magnussen equally made a dive down the inside of the chicane.
The 34-year-old was spun and despite getting going again, the damage was already done.
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Reporting from the media pen, Barretto said: “Sergio Perez understandably downbeat in the pen after that early exit.
“Admitted the collision summed up his season.
“For the first time this year, he wavered in his confidence about being on the grid next year.”
Was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Sergio Perez’s final race for Red Bull?
Red Bull might have already decided on Perez’s future but nothing official is expected to be announced in Abu Dhabi.
There are a trio of drivers on the grid who have been linked with Perez’s seat.
Both RB drivers are on the shortlist to potentially step into the 34-year-old’s seat, while Franco Colapinto has also been touted as an option.
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Martin Brundle would be relieved if Red Bull let Perez go, such is the amount of pressure he’s had to deal with this season.
Every race has seen a microscope put on Perez’s performances with either a mistake in qualifying or a lack of pace in the race underlining his issues.
The Mexican driver looks bereft of confidence in the car and even when he reaches the same stage of qualifying as Verstappen, he’s way off the pace of his teammate.
Nothing is decided yet and contractually he will be employed by Red Bull next year, but whether that’s in their 2025 car is another matter.
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