As Sergio Perez heads into the final year of his current contract with Red Bull, the Mexican driver faces an uncertain future despite being assured of a seat for the 2024 Formula 1 season.

Perez’s journey this season has been akin to a rollercoaster ride, witnessing a strong start, a subsequent dip, and a resurgence towards the end. Follow your favourite F1 team with attractive F1 betting odds from Nextbet. 

While Red Bull has committed to Perez for the commencement of the 2024 campaign, the team has set clear expectations for the driver. The desire for Perez to consistently challenge at the front remains a pivotal factor for any prospect of an extended deal beyond 2024. However, the team remains deliberate in its decision-making process, unpressured to swiftly determine Max Verstappen’s partner for the 2025 season.

Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, elaborated on the team’s stance regarding Perez’s future, stating, “I think the luxury position we’re in, is that we’re not in any rush. We’ve got loads of options, and I think it is Checo’s seat to lose.” The emphasis lies on Perez’s performance through a significant portion of the upcoming season, paving the way for a potential extension into 2025.

Acknowledging the competitive landscape, Horner stressed the importance of both Red Bull cars maximizing performance, a departure from this year where Verstappen dominated while Perez grappled in the midfield.

Horner highlighted the challenges of racing alongside Verstappen, stating, “Being Max’s teammate is tough… But as the field converges, it is inevitable that you want your two cars as close together as you can achieve.”

While praising Perez’s race pace and competitiveness, Horner identified qualifying as an area demanding improvement. The team principal attributed this challenge to Perez’s need for increased confidence in the car, particularly in extracting optimum performance during qualifying sessions.

As Horner reflected on Perez’s season, citing strong performances in races but an inconsistent qualifying record, he emphasized the driver’s awareness of the need to bolster his qualifying performance for the upcoming year.

The stage is set for Perez to cement his place at Red Bull beyond 2024, contingent on his ability to deliver consistently at the highest level and close the gap in performance, especially during qualifying sessions, crucial in Formula 1’s fiercely competitive landscape. Get the latest updates from the world of F1 only on Nextbet Sports.