F1
After yet another retirement in Abu Dhabi, Perez awaits Red Bull's decision
© Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
Was this Sergio Perez's last Grand Prix with Red Bull, or Formula 1 at all, this Sunday? It's quite possible. The Mexican didn't even finish the first lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: this time, he wasn't guilty of a mistake, but it's Valtteri Bottas who, by hitting him at the chicane at the end of the long straight, prematurely ended the Latin's race. “It’s been very difficult all year. That sums it up pretty well. It was very unfortunate., said a dejected Sergio Perez in the mixed zone, while the race was continuing. I got hit by Bottas. It was really, really difficult what happened, unfortunately. From there we can look forward."
A sad conclusion to a difficult – not to say nightmarish – season for Sergio Perez, who finished only 8th in the Drivers’ Championship. The Mexican even broke a record at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: that of the biggest gap to a teammate in Formula 1, with 285 points less than the world champion. Max Verstappen ! A chasm that certainly cost Red Bull the Constructors' title, ultimately won by McLaren.
Perez is waiting for « see what Red Bull wants to do »
According to the latest rumours from the paddock, the six-time Grand Prix winner is unlikely to be fielded by Red Bull in 2025, and will be replaced by one of the two Racing Bulls drivers. However, Sergio Pérez – whose contract, extended last June, runs until 2026 – is hopeful that an agreement can be reached between the two parties during talks that will take place this week. “We know how difficult this year has been. So I think it’s just a matter of discussing what’s best for everyone going forward and we’ll see what happens. Right now, that’s all I know, said Sergio Perez, not really convinced by his own words.. I have a contract to drive next year, so it will be a matter of finding an agreement, hopefully, and seeing what the team wants to do."
The Austrian team, through Christian Horner, confirmed that discussions will take place after Abu Dhabi to decide the future of Sergio Perez in the Red Bull fold. The Mexican's contractual situation could force Red Bull to keep him, without making him a regular alongside Max Verstappen, but with a reserve role. However, the situation should settle down quickly, before the end of 2024.
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Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
08/12/2024 at 10:28 a.m.
"I have a contract to drive next year, so it will be a matter of finding an agreement, I hope, and seeing what the team wants to do." A contract certainly, but one that does not seem to be set in stone if we read TexMex! It still smells a bit like the end of F1 for the Mexican who could now have the time to devote himself much more to his little family...
SYLVAIN DUCREUX
08/12/2024 at 07:29 a.m.
Who can say off the top of his head when Perez spent a season at McLaren? Personally, I had forgotten that line from his CV in 2013. He may not be made for the top teams...