Sergio Perez “Will Have Ten More Years in F1” With or Without Red Bull, Confesses Father Antonio

Sergio Perez‘s potential 2025 Red Bull contract is under threat despite his driving and helping the team win two consecutive constructors’ championships. The 34-year-old had a subpar 2023 season, but he’s already showing immense improvement. Despite rumors of Carlos Sainz replacing him at Red Bull, Perez assured everybody that he’d be “100%” still in F1. Astonishingly, his father, Antonio Perez, has gone further to say that his son will thrive in Formula 1 for 10 more years.

With four podiums in five races, Perez is nearly guaranteed to stay at Red Bull. Team Advisor Helmut Marko, however, is dead-set on giving the Mexican only a 1-year extension, at max. Marko believes that Perez will slack off if he has long-term job security. This is in stark contrast with Perez’s request for a 3-year contract. So the Milton Keynes outfit is at a crossroads with their second driver.

After Marko’s claim, Sergio Perez’s father, Antonio, retorted strongly. “We have Checo for ten more years (in F1),” Antonio told the Spanish website Relevo. “Look at Fernando Alonso’s age,” he added, giving a reference point. “Checo will be very well for the rest of his life. He will have ten more years in  F1.” The Mexican further emphasized that his son is the “most sought-after” driver in F1.

It appears as if a repeat of the Jos Verstappen vs. Christian Horner struggle is emerging with the Perez family. At the Chinese GP weekend as well, Horner smartly postponed giving a concrete answer on Perez’s renewal.

Christian Horner delays Sergio Perez’s 2025 contract renewal

Sergio Perez runs out of his Red Bull contract this year. Though his performance is steadily improving, team boss Christian Horner wants more proof of such racing before he makes a decision. After all, the option to sign Carlos Sainz is also available to the Milton Keynes outfit.

“Sergio, of course, would like to make an announcement tomorrow undoubtedly,” Horner said in China. “But, we, as a team, aren’t in a particular rush. We’re in a fortunate position where many drivers would obviously like to drive for the team, but we’re happy with the pairing that we have. We just want to make sure that the level of consistency that Checo started the season is maintained and, in due course, we will evaluate those options.”

Maybe the reason Red Bull needs more time is that Perez started the 2023 season with the same level of racing but then descended into a downward spiral. In any case, his father, Antonio, remains highly optimistic. Will Sergio Perez live up to his father’s words?