The Red Bull-Ford has given a new reason for US audiences to tune in to F1. While Ford will join forces on track with RBR in 2026, the hype train of the partnership has already begun. With a big marketing agenda, Ford CEO Jim Farley is extensively promoting the American giant’s return to Formula 1. Amid this marketing mania, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez too joined in for a bit of fun. Appearing on a promotional feature on The Tonight Show, Perez battled in go-karts with American show host Jimmy Fallon.

According to The Tonight Show’s YouTube video, Perez and Fallon had a friendly electric go-kart race. With Jim Farley present along with Christian Horner officiating the race, Jimmy looked to beat Checo. And surprisingly, Fallon did it in a close fashion.

As the go-kart race started, Sergio was leading, with Jimmy chasing him. Though, as they went around the track, in a switch-around, the Tonight Show host got the lead and held it to the finish line. Naturally, it was a promotional activity, so Perez may not have cared too much about winning.

With have 4 race wins in F1, there is little regard the Mexican driver would give to an electric go-kart race. Still, Perez lost his first unofficial race for Red Bull-Ford, racing with the Ford logo on his overalls.

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Regardless, Perez would be hoping he is around by the time 2026 rolls around. After all, he would want to race for the esteemed team pairing of Red Bull-Ford. Could he race in 2026 as a race-winner or even a world champion? Or is the Mexican going to hang up his helmet before the Blue badge comes on the RBR cars?

Will Sergio Perez stay around in F1 until 2026?

In the last 3 years, Sergio Perez has arguably experienced everything in F1. Be it winning races, fighting for the championship (for a brief period), almost getting out of a seat, and much more. Checo is perhaps in the best phase of his career to date. But how long can this phase last for the 33-year-old?

Perez has become a seasoned campaigner in F1. Against Max Verstappen, he has not been able to perform as consistently. Yet, the race craft and pace of Checo Perez can be hard to beat on his day. There have also been rumors that Red Bull may drop Perez if they feel the team needs a stronger driver with Max.

So, this leaves the questionable future of Sergio in F1. Red Bull is the best team competitively Perez has raced with. So, this is where he may probably race until the end of his career. And he also has a contract until the end of 2024.

So, there are future retention possibilities if the Mexican wins consistent races in the next few years for Red Bull. But then, the team may also want a younger talent like Yuki Tsunoda or Nyck de Vries.

It leaves Checo in an uncertain situation as to when he can survive and enjoy a competitive drive at Milton Keynes. By 2026, Perez will be 36 years old. While he also has championship ambitions, Sergio has set a future timeline to beat Max. Still, there are limited chances of the Mexican driver accomplishing those ambitions against Max.

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Perhaps, Sergio Perez shall enjoy as a #2 driver at Red Bull and gather as many wins as he can. If he stays around until 2026, Checo would be happy to gather at least 10-12 more wins. What do you think? How long will Perez race in F1?