The news that everyone was expecting from Red Bull Racing was finally announced on Tuesday afternoon as Sergio Perez earned another new contract with the team.
Sergio Perez has now signed a deal that will see him remain a Red Bull driver until the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Red Bull confirmed the news on social media which prompted a lot of reaction from F1 fans.
Their brief statement on X read: “¡Vamos Checo! We are pleased to announce @SChecoPerez has signed a two-year extension to his existing contract.”
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Sergio Perez’s life outside F1 from net worth to nickname
However, this has left Yuki Tsunoda in an awkward position after a remarkable start to the season with Visa Cash App RB.
The Japanese driver is in his fourth season with Red Bull’s sister team and his appeared to be his best chance of earning a promotion for 2025.
Some F1 fans now have a theory about where his career is heading after this latest snub.
F1 fans have Yuki Tsunoda theory as Sergio Perez pens new Red Bull deal
Speaking on the official Red Bull website after the announcement, Christian Horner said: “Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo.
“Checo has had a strong start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and then his podium in China.
“The past few races have been tough, there is convergence on the grid, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance, that we so often see.”
Sergio Perez then added: “I am really happy to commit my future to this great Team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track.
“I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this Team’s great history for two more years.”
While it makes sense for Red Bull to extend Perez’s contract in some respects, it might leave them on the back foot in the Constructors’ Championship.
Max Verstappen remains the undisputed number-one driver in the team, but Red Bull’s gap to the likes of Ferrari and McLaren has narrowed this season.
It means that Perez is arguably the weakest driver out of the front-running teams leaving Red Bull vulnerable.
It’s hard to argue that Tsunoda has done everything he can to earn an opportunity to drive for Red Bull next season.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links
Plenty of F1 fans now believe that Tsunoda’s time at Red Bull is about to come to an end.
Formula 1 fans think Yuki Tsunoda is about to take the next step in his career
Many fans replied to Red Bull’s announcement, with Luke Johnson saying: “Congratulations you just lost Yuki Tsunoda.”
@EllesF1Talk replied: “This is ridiculous, put Tsunoda in that seat,” while @SiggiRiggi said: “Guys come on. He hasn’t been good at all. Sainz been much better. Tsunoda as well and Albon. Still chose Perez.”
@RealVistopher was worried that Tsunoda’s chances of succeeding in F1 are now over, replying: “Rest in peace Tsunoda’s career.”
@JuzebP added: “Terrible choice, you could have gone for [Carlos] Sainz or Tsunoda but you don’t want anybody who could challenge Max [Verstappen].”
While Red Bull fan @mia_charlottex commented: “Tsunoda is literally right there and yet you chose Checo over him?
“Teams a joke, I don’t even see us winning constructors at this point, even with Max carrying so hard.”
READ MORE: Visa Cash App RB driver Yuki Tsunoda’s life outside F1 from height to parents
Could Yuki Tsunoda leave RB at the end of the 2024 F1 season?
Yuki Tsunoda is one of 10 drivers on the grid who currently don’t have a contract for next season.
Several teams on the grid are considering a move for Tsunoda if he becomes available for 2025.
Audi are eyeing a move for Tsunoda with a move for Carlos Sainz looking less and less likely.
Guenther Steiner has told Alpine that they should be targeting Tsunoda after announcing that Esteban Ocon will be leaving the team.
Haas are also on the lookout for at least one new driver for 2025 and Tsunoda is in the mix for that seat too.
It will be fascinating to see if Perez’s contract extension ends Tsunoda’s time with the Red Bull group.
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