Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez has put an end to swirling retirement rumors with a confident social media post. As buzz grew about an impending announcement at his home race in late October, he took to social media, sharing a clip from ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ accompanied by the assertion: “I’m not leaving.”
Perez’s future has been a hot topic throughout the 2024 season. After re-signing with Red Bull for the 2025 season, his performance has noticeably dipped, raising eyebrows about his longevity with the team.
Adding to the pressure is the increasing competitiveness of McLaren, which threatens Red Bull’s chances in the World Constructors’ Championship.
Before the Canadian Grand Prix in June, Perez extended his contract with Red Bull, which includes an option through 2026. However, his form has since faltered, leading to speculation about possible replacements, including Daniel Ricciardo.
Recent reports revived chatter about his retirement, with F1 journalist Joe Saward indicating that Perez and Red Bull may have devised a plan for a less abrupt exit during the Mexico race, rather than being dismissed.
This strategy could allow Red Bull to search for a new driver for 2025. Despite its notable youth programs, the team currently lacks a ready replacement for Max Verstappen. The door is open for options like Lawson or even a potential interest in George Russell, who is out of contract after next year.
There’s ongoing speculation about Verstappen’s future as well, particularly with Aston Martin’s willingness to invest heavily to attract top talent. Meanwhile, Red Bull seems intrigued by Oscar Piastri, given the close ties of his manager to their organization, raising questions about how McLaren will manage its roster moving forward.