Sergio Perez ‘highly unlikely’ to continue at Red Bull beyond 2024, says former F1 champion
The Mexican driver, who joined Red Bull in 2021, has a contract with the team until the end of this year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mika Hakkinen insists it’s “highly unlikely” that Red Bull will retain Sergio Perez beyond the 2024 season.
The Mexican driver, who replaced Alex Albon at the team ahead of the 2021 season, finished second in the drivers’ championship last year as Red Bull dominated the 2023 campaign.
However, Perez finished 290 points behind teammate Max Verstappen and won just two races, while the Dutchman won 19.
Perez’s contract with Red Bull ends at the end of next season and two-time F1 world champion Hakkinen believes Christian Horner’s team are set to move on from the Mexican after this year, with Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo among the names linked with the second seat for 2025 and beyond.
“Usually one or the other is slower – in this case Perez is slower than Max, it has been pretty clear lately,” the Finn told Unibet.
“If the slower teammate accepts the situation, is able to communicate well with media and the team, is able to develop the car, is motivated and can stay within three or four-tenths of the fast one, I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I think it’s an OK situation.
“But if the teammate starts to complain, if he accuses the team of not giving him a good car, is not motivated and results go up and down, it’s not good for the team. That’s when the team needs to make changes.
“I know that having a Mexican driver is important for Red Bull. Mexico is a big market which has its effect on things. But, ultimately, you’re there to race and bring good results and to develop the car faster.
“You can’t rely on one driver only. You need to have two drivers on a certain level in order to develop the car. Is Perez’s future at Red Bull? I think it’s highly unlikely.”
Horner, however, has stated recently that Perez’s destiny lies in his own hands, laying down the gauntlet for his driver ahead of the new season.
The 2024 F1 season, featuring a record 24 races, starts on Saturday 2 March with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments