Christian Horner’s recent remarks signal Sergio Perez’s time at Red Bull is drawing to a close, despite his current contract. The team's failure to secure the Constructors' Championship alongside Max Verstappen’s dominant Drivers' title, a scenario unseen since 1982, falls heavily on Perez’s 26% point contribution. Horner's shift from supportive to implying Perez will "decide what he does" after Abu Dhabi is a clear indicator.
The search for a replacement is less clear. Liam Lawson stands out with strong substitute performances, echoing Red Bull's past quick promotions. Yuki Tsunoda, despite a confirmed RB seat for next year, gets a post-season test – a potential last shot. Franco Colapinto’s outsider hopes dimmed after recent crashes.
If a junior moves up, RB could look to Isack Hadjar or Ayumu Iwasa. Perez, meanwhile, faces no F1 seat in 2025. However, his veteran experience makes him a viable, high-profile candidate for Cadillac’s 2026 entry, offering a potential American comeback story. The next few weeks will define Red Bull's 2025 lineup and Perez's immediate future.
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