Speculation about Sergio Perez’s future at Red Bull has been swirling since the start of the 2024 season, and with Red Bull slipping in the Constructors’ standings, the pressure on the Mexican driver has only intensified. Ferrari has now moved within striking distance, cutting Red Bull’s lead to just eight points—a gap that’s raising questions about the team’s position and Perez’s role in it.
Perez has faced a challenging season in the RB20, a car that’s fallen short of the team’s high standards. While his teammate, Max Verstappen, has clinched seven victories and amassed over twice Perez’s points, the 34-year-old has struggled to match Verstappen’s pace, fueling speculation around his future with the team. Perez openly admits the constant scrutiny has impacted his focus. “At a point, it became too much,” he confessed, referring to the intense judgment surrounding his every move both on and off the track.
Despite his struggles, Perez’s past seasons at Red Bull saw him support Verstappen as a reliable teammate. Should he manage to regain his competitive edge and bolster the team’s points haul, he could potentially secure his seat for 2025, given the highly competitive driver pool within Red Bull.
The situation, however, remains critical. The once-dominant Red Bull finds itself slipping in the Constructors’ Championship, and Perez’s performance could be the tipping point in maintaining their standing. As pressure mounts, Red Bull’s engineers are analyzing performance deltas, with both drivers determined to restore their grip on the title. “The numbers and facts stay within the team and engineers,” Perez explained, adding that their goal remains unchanged despite Ferrari’s resurgence.
Meanwhile, the driver’s championship battle has gained steam as Verstappen moves closer to another title, with a 57-point advantage over nearest rival Lando Norris. While Verstappen appears poised for a fourth crown, Perez faces an uphill battle to reestablish his position and prove he’s essential to Red Bull’s future.