Sergio Perez has struggled this season at Red Bull. He sits eighth in the championship and has yet to win a race this season. The Mexican has failed to stand on the podium since the Chinese Grand Prix in April. His poor form has seen Red Bull slip to third in the constructors’ championship.
With his slump, Checo’s future in the team has been in doubt. Rumours have circulated that either VCARB driver, Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, could replace him. Franco Colapinto’s name has also been linked to the Red Bull seat. However, Perez does have the backing of a former world champion.
Jacques Villeneuve says Sergio Perez will stay due to contract
Jacques Villeneuve believes Sergio Perez will remain at Red Bull next season. The 1997 world champion says the Mexican has signed a contract and will remain in the team for the 2025 season.
The Canadian said: “Perez is there and he’s under contract. It’s been 10 months now that people have been saying Perez is out at the next race. Stop saying it. He has a contract. He brings sponsorship, and stability to the team. Verstappen is happy with him.
Sergio Perez says he takes all the rumours of him leaving Red Bull next year “with humour”.
He remains confident that he will be driving for the team next year.
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“And who knows how much of the difference is because Perez is a bit lost right now, which can happen or just Verstappen being so amazing. So put another driver in there who doesn’t do any better, what have you achieved?”
Although Perez has had a slump in form, he still carries a vast amount of sponsorship money, helping the team develop the car. He also brings stability to the team and as many high-profile members have left, Red Bull is looking for stability. Changing the Mexican may be necessary soon but are the options out there going to improve the second race seat?
Why Max Verstappen is happy with Checo as his teammate
There is harmony with the driver pairing at Red Bull. Three-time world champion Max Verstappen knows Checo is unlikely to be competitive against him. Perez might dream about becoming world champion, but Verstappen is the quicker driver and has more backing from the team.
Perez’s role is to back up his teammate, provide feedback to the car, and help the team’s bid to the WCC. Although this isn’t happening at the moment, it is a structure Verstappen likes, as he is free to aim at the number one spot with little challenge from Perez.
Carlos Sainz was linked to the Red Bull seat once it was announced the Spaniard would leave Ferrari. That would have rocked the boat as Sainz would not be happy being a de facto second driver. Sainz and Verstappen also clashed at the then-called Toro Rosso.
A younger driver like Liam Lawson would also want to come in and prove himself. This could pose a challenge to Verstappen. The Dutchman is happy with the status quo and wouldn’t want the ship rocked meaning Perez is the ideal teammate.
