Reports suggest that Red Bull is likely to announce Sergio Perez’s departure before Christmas.
The six-time Grand Prix winner has faced a tough 2024 season, which has led to discussions about his future with the team.
One option on the table could be an ambassadorial role, though there’s also a possibility that Perez will part ways with the team entirely.
A Tough Season for Perez
Perez had signed a two-year extension with Red Bull in May 2024, but his performance since then has been underwhelming.
Finishing eighth in the driver’s championship, he found himself a staggering 285 points behind his teammate and champion, Max Verstappen.
Liam Lawson’s Potential Replacement
ESPN reports that Perez’s replacement could be Liam Lawson, who stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri, and impressed during the second half of the season.
Ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lawson, 22, shared his thoughts: “I think next week would be a time I’d expect to have some information.”
He went on to express his desire for a permanent seat, acknowledging that Abu Dhabi was his final chance to prove himself.
“I feel like I’ve made the most of each opportunity, but I definitely didn’t execute everything perfectly. There’s stuff I’ll learn from reflecting on these races.”
What’s Next for Perez?
As for Perez, it seems increasingly unlikely that he will have a race seat in Formula 1 for 2025.
Should he sever ties with Red Bull, he could explore other racing opportunities.
One potential avenue is the incoming Cadillac team from General Motors, which is expected to join the grid in 2026.
Perez could potentially join them before their debut, keeping his F1 career alive in another capacity.