Sergio Perez’s tenure at Red Bull Racing has been marked by the overwhelming dominance of his teammate, Max Verstappen.
While Verstappen is on track to secure his third world title, Perez finds himself contemplating his future with the team after 10 races without a victory in the Drivers’ Championship.
Perez, now in the final stretch of his third season at Red Bull since joining from Racing Point in 2021, faces a challenging situation.
Verstappen has clinched the world title in the two previous completed seasons, establishing himself as the team’s leading driver.
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With a contract extending until the end of 2024, Perez has the security to make another championship attempt with Red Bull in the upcoming season.
However, the Mexican veteran has hinted at the possibility of exploring alternative options.
Reflecting on the current season, Perez emphasised the importance of contributing to a competitive environment.
He stated, “With the season we have had, it is important to hold the next races in an environment where I feel I can contribute.
“And if that place for 2024 is not here, we will have to look for other alternatives.
“I have a contract until next year, and at some point next year, we will sit down and talk.”
The substantial 145-point gap between Perez and Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship underscores Verstappen’s status as the primary driver within Red Bull.
However, Verstappen has consistently expressed his reluctance to embrace the traditional hierarchy of a ‘number one’ and ‘number two’ driver within the team.
He believes in equal opportunities and mutual respect among teammates, stating, “I don’t like to put it that way.
“In the end, we have the same chances.
“You have to be respected, of course, but I don’t want to be favoured.
“I don’t think I need that either, and in the end, it’s not good for the team if it’s that way all of the time.”
Helmut Marko, a key adviser at Red Bull’s advisory team, recently acknowledged their admiration for McLaren’s Lando Norris. However, Norris’s long-term contract may present challenges for any potential move.
Marko commented, “Perez is not consistent. He is not always focused.
“But he has a contract until 2024, and Lando Norris has a contract until 2025.
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Unfortunately, that it’s for so long because he would be one of the candidates.
“We had already reached an agreement with Norris for Toro Rosso at the time until his manager realised that there was an option in the contract with McLaren.
“But in terms of youth and speed, he would suit us very well.”