Sergio Perez is fighting for his future at Red Bull. His contract is up at the end of the season, and he’s trying to prove that he’s worthy of an extension.
Perez joined the Bulls ahead of the 2021 season and signed a new two-year deal in May 2022. But it wasn’t always a certainty that he’d see out that contract.
The Mexican endured a disappointing 2023 campaign, finishing a record 290 points behind teammate Max Verstappen in the championship. That put him on the back-foot heading into this year.
Perez has responded well to the pressure by delivering three runner-up finishes and four podiums in the first five races. He hasn’t been able to challenge the dominance of Verstappen but he’s been a dependable understudy.
When there have been setbacks, he hasn’t been entirely at fault. In Australia, he only managed fifth following his teammate’s retirement, but a visor tear-off became wedged in his floor and compromised his car’s aerodynamic performance.
Last weekend in China, he was beaten by the McLaren of Lando Norris, denying Red Bull a one-two. However, Norris was only able to leapfrog him through fortunate pit-stop timing.
Team principal Christian Horner has commended Perez on his improvement this year, likening him to 1996 world champion Damon Hill. But that hasn’t stopped the team considering their options.
Helmut Marko says they will simply ‘have to’ take a look at Carlos Sainz, the former Toro Rosso driver who’s available thanks to Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move. McLaren duo Norris and Oscar Piastri are of interest too, though they’re protected by their contracts.
There’s talk that Alex Albon, Perez’s predecessor, could be in line for a return to the team. But that’s more likely to happen in 2026 following the end of his Williams deal.
Helmut Marko offers update on Sergio Perez future
Speaking to nl.motorsport, Marko shared the latest on Perez’s contract hopes. Despite his solid performances, Red Bull aren’t yet ready to push the button on fresh terms.
With 262 race starts under his belt, the 34-year-old offers vast experience ahead of the sweeping 2026 regulation changes. But Marko insists that won’t factor into the team’s thinking.
He also revealed that Perez initially came to the table asking for three more years. It seems Red Bull haven’t been especially receptive to that demand.
“We are not yet in a position to finalize everything,” he said. But it has nothing to do with regulations. He knows he must perform. At first he wanted a three-year contract. But we will find a solution.”
Could Sergio Perez race for Audi in 2025?
If Red Bull decide to make a change, then where could Perez go? Well, the good news is that there are likely to be numerous opportunities given that more than half of the current grid are out of contract.
One team who have already identified Perez as a possible candidate is Audi, who will take control of Sauber for the 2026 season. They’re ready to make a move if he becomes available.
He actually started his career with the Swiss outfit, spending two years there before a switch to McLaren. All parties will have fond memories of that period, particularly Perez’s runner-up finishes in Malaysia and Italy in 2012.
Perez has shone in Formula 1’s midfield with both Sauber and Force India/Racing Point, but he’s struggled to impress at two big-name teams in McLaren and Red Bull. Some may feel he’s better suited to operating outside of the limelight.
At the age of 34, you’d normally be talking about a driver entering the final few years of their career. But Perez, perhaps inspired by 42-year-old Fernando Alonso, has signalled his intent to carry on for the long haul with his contract request.
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