Race for 2025 Red Bull seat hots up as Perez teases when he 'expects to know'

Sergio Perez

Race for 2025 Red Bull seat hots up as Perez teases when he 'expects to know'

The experienced F1 driver is out of contract soon and his future is up in the air

Lauren Sneath

Monday 8 April 2024 20:00

Sergio Perez has said that he expects to find out one way or another about his Red Bull future within the next month.

The Mexican driver has been with Red Bull for four seasons, winning five races with the team.

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He has partnered three-time world champion Max Verstappen as the Dutchman soared to success, but has often struggled to keep pace with his team-mate. For the past two seasons, Perez has come in second place in the driver's championship.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at the end of the 2024 season, and the paddock is abuzz with speculation about which F1 driver might take his seat at Red Bull, should the team not choose to keep him on.

Sergio Perez has been Max Verstappen's partner for four seasons

Asked if he was worried, Perez told Sky Sports: “No, I am pretty relaxed about it … I’m really pleased with what I’ve done in the sport so far and I believe it will be a matter of time.”

Addressing rumours that Carlos Sainz, the Ferrari driver, could be in the mix to replace him, Perez added: “Obviously the driver market is moving and the next three weeks (there is) going to be a lot of movement for sure.

“So I expect in a month to know what I’m going to be doing next year.”

Verstappen: We try to keep working

Meanwhile, Verstappen celebrated his return to the top of the podium after a disappointing weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, where he did not finish the race.

The Dutchman was particularly pleased with the Red Bull car, suggesting that he could do whatever he needed to get the best out of it.

Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix

He said: “I could push whenever I needed to and look after the tyres when I wanted to … Melbourne wasn’t great, but we are having a great start to the year.”

“For sure there will be track layouts that are worse for us … but for now we just try to keep working, keep improving our car, keep learning.”

Red Bull Max Verstappen Ferrari Sergio Perez Carlos Sainz Japanese Grand Prix