Sergio Pérez will compete this weekend in Abu Dhabi in the last Grand Prix of his Formula 1 career with Red Bull, who has decided to turn the page.
The 2024 Formula 1 season will mark the end of Sergio Pérez's adventure with Red Bull Racing. According to consistent sources, the Mexican driver seems close to leaving the team after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while Franco Colapinto is now out of the race for a place with Red Bull or its sister team, Racing Bulls.
Colapinto: interest dampened by costly mistakes
Franco Colapinto, promoted to Williams to replace Logan Sargeant, had initially attracted interest from Red Bull thanks to strong performances. However, notable incidents in São Paulo and Las Vegas highlighted his lack of experience, dampening Milton Keynes' enthusiasm. Red Bull, which is already exploring other internal options, ultimately decided not to offer him a place on its teams for 2025.
Even the possibility of a place at Alpine, mentioned in certain rumors, seems to disappear. Flavio Briatore, Alpine advisor, would also have revised his judgment on the potential of the young Argentine driver.
A disappointing season for Pérez
Sergio Pérez, for his part, struggled to support Red Bull's ambitions in 2024. While Max Verstappen carried the team on his shoulders, Pérez failed to establish himself as a key player in the race for title of the manufacturers. Red Bull, relegated to third place this year after titles in 2022 and 2023, seems determined to overhaul its driver duo.
Before leaving the paddock of the Losail circuit on Sunday evening, Christian Horner, the director of Red Bull Racing, suggested that, barring a spectacular feat during the last race in Abu Dhabi, Pérez will not keep his seat. However, he could be offered the role of ambassador, like Daniel Ricciardo.
Lawson and Tsunoda in pole position
Liam Lawson, in a trial period at Racing Bulls, and Yuki Tsunoda, performing well this season, are among the favorites to replace Pérez. If one of them is promoted, young Formula 2 talent Isack Hadjar could join the Faenza team for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Currently second in the F2 championship, the French driver impresses with his consistency and his potential. He still has every chance of winning the Formula 2 title this weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Decisions imminent for Red Bull
The future of the Red Bull drivers will be clarified after the season, once the separation with Sergio Pérez is made official. The team seems to favor its young talents to maintain its level of competitiveness. With Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda vying for a starring role and Isack Hadjar set to move up to F1, the team has a promising pipeline to bounce back in 2025.
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