Sergio Perez’s current contract with Red Bull is set to expire by the end of 2024.
Sergio Perez has said “everything is still open” regarding his future, but he hopes to finalise his next contract soon as he looks to retain his place at Red Bull.
A new report from Fox Sports Mexico claims Perez has been offered a one-year extension with the team while he is pushing for the security of a two-year deal, but Perez has spoken on the subject himself.
Sergio Perez gives update on Red Bull future
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
Perez confirmed his intention to try and secure his future beyond the end of the season as soon as he can, with both RB drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo having confirmed their intentions to try and become candidates for ‘senior’ Red Bull seats moving forwards.
Team principal Christian Horner praised Perez for his start to the season, while admitting they will only take a decision on who will partner Max Verstappen next season “when the timing is right”, with a long campaign ahead.
Perez, similar to numerous other drivers, is actively seeking a prompt resolution, especially considering that half of the grid’s contracts are expiring by the end of the current season.
Perez, while speaking to media outlets including PlanetF1.com at Imola, confirmed, “Since no agreements have been finalized, everything remains undecided.”
However, I anticipate that in the near future, specifically as we enter a highly demanding phase of the season, I want to swiftly address and resolve this matter.
We believe it is crucial for me to concentrate on the racing aspect, therefore, I am hopeful that we can finalize everything soon and share it with you.
Perez is now in his fourth season at Red Bull and was asked about the varying fortunes of his predecessors at the team, with Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon having both struggled to match Verstappen in equal machinery, while both have performed well elsewhere on the grid.
Although Perez did not explicitly express his opinion on the matter, he acknowledges the challenging task of dealing with the pressure that comes with having Verstappen as a teammate.
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He stated that it wouldn’t be fair for his side to comment on other drivers, but he believed there were reasons and explanations for why Red Bull doesn’t work for everyone.
Having Max as a teammate is undeniably challenging. If I were paired with someone else, I believe I would have more opportunities to excel. Nevertheless, I currently see it as an excellent challenge.
“He is an exceptional driver, exhibiting remarkable skill and seldomly making errors. Having a teammate of such caliber is truly exceptional.”
“It relentlessly pushes me, relentlessly pushes the boundaries from my end. I am aware that in order to defeat him, I must deliver an impeccable weekend.”
As this marks the last year of his existing Red Bull contract, the Mexican driver was inquired about whether discussing his future poses a ‘disturbance’ while he strives to excel on the race track.
During the latter part of the previous season, he faced close scrutiny despite being under contract. However, he acknowledged that there is an additional pressure lurking in the background until he secures his next deal, which he anticipates happening soon.
He reasoned that regardless of whether a deal has been made, Formula 1 always brings pressure, particularly in the case of Red Bull, where the pressure is exceptionally intense.
“So, despite the lack of change, it can be a bit overwhelming to conduct these sessions, especially when we have so much work to do on weekends in the simulator. However, I have faith that sooner rather than later, both I and the future will become clear to me.”
He responded by saying, “As long as there is no official agreement, I consider all possibilities open at the moment.”
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