Sergio Perez has revealed ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix that he’s “laughing” at rumours that he’s going to retire at the end of the season.
It was speculated ahead of this weekend’s trip to the Circuit of the Americas that Perez was potentially going to announce his retirement from Formula 1 next weekend at the Mexican Grand Prix, his home race.
The Mexican driver is under immense pressure currently having scored just five points across the last three races, putting his second place in the Drivers’ Championship at risk.
With just five races remaining, Lewis Hamilton sits 30 points behind the 33-year-old, a deficit which can certainly be overcome if Perez’s poor form continues.
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It’s been suggested that if Perez fails to claim P2 then it’d be viewed as unacceptable by Red Bull, given that they have the most superior car on the grid.
No matter how superior it is, Perez just can’t get the most out of it, with him being incredibly error prone at the moment.
It’s not just scoring points which is an issue for him currently, as is progressing to Q3.
With this weekend being a sprint weekend, he’ll have less time than usual to set up his car how he wants it, something which is expected to work against him.
Perez has tended to struggle in sprint weekends, as the conditions of the circuit often vary.
Checo recognises more than anyone that he must improve, although he’s insisted that suggestions of him retiring are ridiculous.
He’s fully intent on remaining at Red Bull until his contract expires at the end of 2024, with him noting that “it will not be my final contract in F1”.
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“I’m just laughing at it,” Perez said ahead of this weekend.
“There’s nothing I can do, I am fully focused on my job. I was really busy with the team as well. That really sums up my season, a guy says something about me and then all of a sudden it comes true?
“No, I have a contract for next year, and no reason not to respect that contract. I’m going to give my very best to it. I’ve made a commitment but, more than that, it will not be my final contract in F1.”