While rumors were circulating about a possible retirement of Sergio Pérez, the Mexican driver wanted to clarify the situation.
Discussions surrounding Sergio Pérez’s future have been fueled by the departure of Daniel Ricciardo from the Red Bull Racing junior team.
Some observers have even suggested that Pérez could consider leaving F1 at the end of the season. This hypothesis surprised Helmut Marko, Red Bull Formula 1 consultant, who reacted with humor.
“This is the first time I’ve heard of this.he declared, smiling. But his wife is expecting their fourth child. An interesting alternative!”
However, Pérez has been clear: he has no plans to leave F1 anytime soon. “It’s a difficult calendar, with 24 races a year, but I will be in Formula 1 for at least two more years” he said.
Despite persistent rumors, the Red Bull driver has reassured his fans and team about his near future in the sport.
A two-year contract for Pérez
Sergio Pérez confirms that his contract with Red Bull extends for two more seasons, which gives him a certain stability in an environment as competitive as F1.
“I don’t think I’ll be here much longerhe confided. My contract is for two years, which is a long time in Formula 1, but I know the end is coming.”
The Mexican driver also expressed his admiration for Fernando Alonso, who continues to race at 43. However, Perez does not see himself continuing as long as the Spaniard:
“I admire Fernando and what he is doing at his age, but I don’t think I will race as long as him. I have young children and I want to spend more time with them.”
A thought about retirement, but not for now
Pérez admits he thought about retirement for the past six months, but quickly ruled out the option.
“I thought about it, but it took me three seconds to decide: no! In the end, it would have been the easiest decision to make – to leave and give it all up. But I would never have forgiven myself for it if I had done that.”
The year 2024 has been difficult for the Mexican driver, due to the up-and-down performance of his Red Bull. He points out that the car’s limitations were particularly frustrating, especially as his teammate Max Verstappen continued to win.
“It was hard to have a car with some limitations and not be able to say anything because your teammate was winning. Max was driving really well and the gap between us was growing every time.”
Pérez wants to decide his future
Despite these difficulties, Pérez insists that he does not want to be pushed out: “I want to retire when I decide, not when someone tells me to.
This is my main goal: to decide my future myself.”
He recalls that his recently signed contract with Red Bull offers him a certain security, and that the rumors have never really worried him.
“People often forget the contract. I just signed the contract. People talk a lot about everything, but I wasn’t worried because I knew the situation” concludes Pérez.
