Red Bull’s decision seems to have been made: Sergio Perez will be confirmed at the start of the 2025 world championship alongside Max Verstappen. In recent weeks, both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have repeatedly underlined that they are in no hurry to make official who will be alongside the world champion in 2025, but all market movements indicate that Perez will keep his place. In Monte Carlo Checo experienced the worst weekend of the season, but a weekend to forget will not influence the team’s choices.
“We are certainly not basing ourselves on a weekend – confirmed Horner – if we wait a little longer (to make the choice official) it will only be due to a question of internal timing”.
Marko provided a more precise indication, suggesting that everything will be clear by the Spanish Grand Prix. In the paddock it is taken for granted that Perez will remain at Red Bull for a fifth season, a belief strengthened by the interruption of negotiations with all the drivers who could have represented alternative choices. From this perspective we can also read the situation of Carlos Sainz, today divided between the Audi and Williams possibilities, a tacit confirmation that the Red Bull doors are closed.
Here’s what remains of Perez’s Red Bull RB20 after the crash in Monte Carlo
Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool
There are those who turned up their noses at Perez’s probable confirmation, believing his performance is not up to the standard of the single-seater he has at his disposal. In Red Bull they are very clear, what they ask of the Mexican is to contribute to winning the Constructors’ World Championship.
“We must ensure we always have two cars in the points – confirmed Horner – we cannot ignore the threat coming from Ferrari and McLaren in both championships. But in the first six races Checo was very strong, qualifying on the front row, getting on the podium and generally ensuring an excellent performance. We need to make sure this happens regularly.”
The last thing the team needs today is a variable that could change the balance created not without effort. After the storm that hit the team last winter, stability has become an imperative, and Perez has confirmed over the last year that he has found a certain harmony with Verstappen. The working climate in the garage is excellent, and no one in the team today wants to take the risk of a choice that could change the atmosphere.
The renewal will almost certainly be for a single season, versus the two-year period guaranteed by the two previous contracts. Yuki Tsunoda could be in the team’s future, but in general Horner prefers to be able to evaluate the driver market next year too in view of potential agreements aimed at the long term.
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