Sergio Perez has openly admitted that he might need to “look around for other alternatives” should Red Bull decide not to keep the Mexican next season, despite the fact he has a contract for 2024.
Perez’s future has been a huge talking point, with team principal Christian Horner and advisor Dr Helmut Marko having made contrasting statements on the matter.
Horner has insisted that Perez will remain with Red Bull next season as he’s still under contract, whilst Marko has admitted that in Formula 1 nothing is “certain”.
Following some poor performances ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, there was a growing belief that Red Bull could look elsewhere for 2024 and terminate Perez’s deal.
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However, the 33-year-old has shown signs that he’s returning to his normal self, capable of fighting through the field.
He did exactly that at Monza on Sunday, where he recovered from fifth on the grid to claim second behind Max Verstappen.
That sort of performance will presumably be enough to secure his seat for 2024, should he replicate it at the upcoming races.
It does seem that Checo has overcome his pre-summer break struggles and as rediscovered some confidence, something which is absolutely crucial for his future.
Should he endure another downward spiral though, then he’s aware that he could be forced to look for a new team for next year.
“Every year you learn things and that’s why I like this sport so much,” Perez told Spain’s version of DAZN.
“You’re learning things all the time, but most important of all is learning from your mistakes.
“With the season we’ve had, the next few races are about creating a situation where I feel I can contribute. And if that place for 2024 is not here, we will have to look around for other alternatives,” Perez openly admitted.
“But right now, my main focus is to be here, to win more races, to continue winning championships with Red Bull. I have a contract until next year and sometime next year we will sit down and talk,” he added.
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“I do think the bad moments are behind us now and I feel much more comfortable with the car,” Perez said after finishing on the podium at Monza.
“I think we are going to have a good end to the year. I have gotten quite close to Max but I think at the moment he is on fire with the car and I have not been.
“Every weekend it’s hard for me to get there, but without a doubt I’ve gotten pretty close. And I hope that in the next races I can be at that level.”