Red Bull suspended Max Verstappen today”due to unsuspiciously issues…
Signing Perez was the latest attempt by Red Bull to find a driver who could be a good wingman for its undisputed leader Max Verstappen, someone who could back up Verstappen’s success with enough podiums to land the Milton Keynes team the constructors’ championship.
Its junior drivers Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon didn’t work out after being thrown to the lions early in their F1 careers, but the much more experienced Perez held his own, taking five of his six career wins in just under three years with Red Bull thus far.
His latest wins at the start of 2023 reignited Perez’s dream of vying for the championship with Verstappen, but the Dutchman has struck back ferociously with a record streak of 10 consecutive wins which has knocked the wind out of Perez’ sails.
The Mexican’s contract runs until the end of 2024, but in a recent interview with Spanish rights-holder DAZN he has give the firmest hint yet that he won’t renew his Red Bull deal at all costs, perhaps coming to the realisation that Red Bull’s car design will continue to evolve around his team-mate.
“With the season we’ve had it’s important in the next few races that I also want to be in an environment in which I feel like I can contribute,” he said.
“And if that place in 2024 isn’t here we have to look for other alternatives. But right now my main focus is being here, winning more races, continuing to win championships with Red Bull.
“I have a contract until next year, so some time next year we will sit down and talk.”
If re-signing isn’t a given for Perez, then it certainly isn’t for Red Bull either, which has never really stopped looking over its shoulder to the next best driver for its second seat.
In Italy, team boss Christian Horner said: “In ’25 we have one seat open and, as you can imagine, there’s not a shortage of interest in that seat.”
The season precedes the 2026 regulation changes, when F1 will move to all-new cars and power units.
The top dogs in the driver market are therefore in a strong position, able to bide their time until they can make the best choice on which team and engine combination they think is well poised for success in 2026 and beyond.
