Despite the two-time world championship title in Formula 1, Red Bull always caused a lot of excitement off the track. The reason for this was Sergio Perez. The Mexican was probably on the verge of leaving the Austrian team, but was able to somehow prevent this.
Perez showed an improvement in performance at the end of the Formula 1 season and will therefore also compete for Red Bull next year. However, his contract expires at the end of 2024. Will he still drive alongside Max Verstappen? Team boss Christian Horner’s statements make people sit up and take notice.
Formula 1: Verstappen’s new teammate?
Hardly any other driver was the subject of as much speculation in Formula 1 last season as Sergio Perez. Will the Mexican be kicked out? Will he keep his seat at Red Bull? Questions that were clarified shortly before the end of the season. Team boss Christian Horner and Red Bull’s motorsport boss Doctor Helmut Marko emphasized that Perez will also drive for the world champion team in 2024.
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Numerous other drivers were already lining up to take the place next to Max Verstappen. In the end, Perez was able to convince with some good placements and avoid being thrown out. But his contract only runs for 2024. What happens after that?
In addition to Perez, Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, who both drive for Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri, also have expiring contracts. Both drivers are associated with Perez’s seat. Liam Lawson can also have hopes, but initially in the AlphaTauri, where he has already driven good races for the injured Ricciardo.
Horner’s statements make people sit up and take notice
In the coming year, many eyes in Formula 1 and especially at Red Bull will be on Perez. If he performs well, he may have hopes of a contract extension. If there are fluctuations in performance again, he is in danger of being eliminated.
Team boss Christian Horner emphasized that the driver line-up for 2024 at Red Bull is open. All alternatives will be considered. “As a team you want to field the most competitive pairing you can and you want to have the right dynamic in the team,” Horner told Sky.
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“Max and Checo (Sergio Perez, editor’s note) were an extremely successful couple. Checo has taken fourth, third and second place in his three years with us. So he’s on the right track,” said Horner, who also has Ricciardo’s hopes. “We know Daniel well – it’s great to have him back at Red Bull – and of course everything is open from 2025 onwards.”