F1 News: Red Bull Hints At New Contract For Sergio Perez
The decision on Sergio Perez’s Red Bull contract extension will be influenced by his ability to maintain top form in a highly competitive environment.
Following a strong performance in the early stages of the 2024 season and a turnaround in performance from 2023, Sergio Perez may be close to securing a contract extension with Red Bull.
Key Takeaways:
- Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has indicated a careful approach to extending Perez's contract, prioritizing ongoing assessment over a fixed long-term agreement.
- Perez impressed at the Japanese GP, securing second place and demonstrating significant improvement over the previous year.
- Red Bull has not committed to the length of Perez’s potential new contract, focusing instead on performance and adaptability.
The 2024 Formula 1 season so far has been pivotal for Sergio Perez as he seeks to solidify his position with Red Bull Racing beyond the current year. The Mexican driver struggled to find the same performance out of the RB19 as his teammate Max Verstappen in 2023, however, Perez has showed a dramatic improvement in 2024, securing second-place finishes behind Verstappen in three out of the four races so far.
Red Bull, as the reigning Constructors' Champion and clearly the most dominant team on the grid, will not be short of drivers to choose from to drive alongside Verstappen in 2025. In recent comments to OE24 (as quoted by Formu1a.uno), Marko articulated the team's stance on Perez's contract which currently expires at the end of 2024:
“We don’t allow ourselves to be pressured. Audi apparently wants a decision [for 2026]. We look at everything calmly.
“When we have enough to overview, we will decide on our drivers.
“Everything is an option [regarding extending Perez’s contract]. Our team is currently working very well.
“If he has a secure contract for two years, there is a risk that he will slack off."
One concern for Red Bull is the potential for complacency with a guaranteed multi-year contract. This perspective suggests that Perez’s contract length could remain flexible to ensure he remains motivated.
Red Bull's frequent adjustments to their driver lineup, especially in their secondary team, Visa Cash App RB, demonstrate their willingness to make swift changes if necessary. For Perez, the message is clear: he must continue to perform at a high level, particularly as he faces the added pressure of his expiring contract and the availability of other talented drivers.