Gabriel Bortoleto, a contender for the FIA Formula 2 title, has expressed doubts about Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull in Formula 1. Bortoleto, who is a rookie in F2 and a prospect for McLaren, has been performing exceptionally well in the 2024 season with Invicta Racing. Currently, he is in second place in the Drivers’ standings, trailing Red Bull Junior Driver Isack Hadjar by 36 points. Hadjar is part of a long list of talented drivers associated with Red Bull who could potentially replace Perez if his performances do not improve.
Bortoleto joined the ongoing discussion surrounding Perez’s future, stating in a video cast with Motorsport.com’s Brazilian division, “I believe Perez will be replaced next year. I am not sure about his contractual situation, but considering his recent results, it seems likely that he will be out.” Perez was given a contract extension earlier this year, but his poor performance has raised concerns within the Red Bull team. Team Principal Christian Horner and Advisor Helmut Marko held discussions about Perez’s future after the Belgian Grand Prix in July.
Although Horner and Marko have given Perez an opportunity to prove himself after the Formula 1 Summer Break, Bortoleto highlighted the alternative options available to Red Bull. “Red Bull has other options. If not [Daniel] Ricciardo, they could choose [Liam] Lawson. If they don’t go with Lawson, I can’t understand their decision-making process. They might also consider Isack Hadjar,” Bortoleto commented. Marko has indicated that a decision regarding Lawson’s future will be made in September, ruling out the possibility of loaning him to a rival team. This puts pressure not only on Perez but also on Ricciardo, as both veterans are aware that their positions could be at risk if they fail to perform.
Hadjar, despite leading the F2 Drivers’ standings by 36 points, is seen as a less likely candidate for an F1 seat. When asked about his prospects, he stated, “My focus is on performing on the track. That’s the only way I can prove myself. I cannot disclose any information about what Red Bull is discussing with me.”
There have also been rumors linking Bortoleto to Audi’s F1 project, where he could potentially partner with Nico Hulkenberg in Sauber’s final year of transition in 2025. Bortoleto expressed his appreciation for being mentioned in relation to F1, saying, “It’s great to be recognized by someone in the F1 world because that’s where I aspire to be. However, I am fully committed to performing well in F2 and preparing myself for a potential move to F1. That’s my current situation.”
Photo from Gabriel Bortoleto Instagram
