The 2024 Formula 1 season has shown that predicting the driver market is almost impossible. Twelve months ago, no one would have imagined Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, and Carlos Sainz at Williams. For 2025, we are looking at a completely revamped grid, with the biggest piece left to address being Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull.
After a contract renewal at the start of the year, Perez’s performance has led Christian Horner and Helmut Marko to reconsider their long-term plans. Over the months, various possible alternatives have emerged.
From a Daniel Ricciardo return to promoting Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, the latest rumor involves Franco Colapinto. The young Williams talent, a standout in the second half of the season, appears to have topped Red Bull’s wish list, with the team reportedly willing to pay a hefty release clause to secure him from James Vowles’ team.
A twist in Sergio Perez’s future?
Over recent months, Perez’s chances of staying at Red Bull in 2025 have seemed to dwindle, sparking speculation of a potential exit before the season’s end.
Sergio Perez, for his part, has consistently stated he has a seat for next season, dismissing rumors of retirement or a split with his current team. These rumors have gained traction in Spain, with Marca reporting that Checo’s place alongside Max Verstappen is secure.
According to the Spanish newspaper, Sergio Perez has found new sponsors that could ensure his continuation with Red Bull into 2025. These sponsors are reportedly connected to Carlos Slim’s group, a long-time backer of Checo. The condition for signing these agreements with Red Bull is that Perez remains in his seat next year.
Estimates suggest that the Mexican driver’s sponsors could bring Christian Horner’s team around $30 million annually—a substantial amount that could potentially close the door to Franco Colapinto, leaving his future uncertain.
Leave a Reply