Sergio Perez has one more chance. With the season-finale in Abu Dhabi on the horizon, the Mexican racing driver is fighting for his future at Red Bull Racing. ‘Checo’ could end the season winless if he struggles to perform at the Yas Marina Circuit, a territory he has not been in since the 2019 season in the Racing Point Formula 1 team. Inconsistent performances this year have relegated the Milton Keynes-based outfit to third in the Constructors Standings, resulting in Perez’s seat being under serious threat.

Despite signing a two-year contract extension earlier this year, the veteran driver cannot take his place in Red Bull Racing for granted. Setting a timeline for the 34-year-old, team principal Christian Horner has outlined his expectations from Perez going into the season finale next week.

It’s now or never for Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez has been under plenty of scrutiny this season. Despite making a bright start to 2024, where he secured three runner-up finishes in the opening four races, his struggles with consistency saw a significant performance drop after the first quarter of the championship. Perez’s time in Qatar can only be described as a nightmare, as the Mexican was rock bottom in the sprint race and started the penultimate fixture in ninth place. However, a mechanical failure forced him to retire early, which was his third DNF of the season so far.

Despite his struggles, Red Bull Racing’s team principal Christian Horner is giving Sergio Perez his full backing ahead of the season finale next weekend. He said, “We’re going to give him all the support we can until the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi next weekend. What he decides to do, that will be his decision at the end of the day. He’s old and wise enough to come to his own conclusions. But there’s still a race to go, let’s get to the end of Abu Dhabi and see where we are at.”

One fan chimed in on Christian Horner’s statement, claiming that they will cut ties with Perez after Abu Dhabi, “translation: checo’s on his own after abu dhabi.” While Horner’s words weren’t the most uplifting for Checo, he still is a Red Bull Racing legend and Horner would look to part ways on good terms if they plan to do so.

Even though the last four years have been dominated by Max Verstappen‘s four championships, Perez has been a reliable ally for the Dutchman, playing the role of a number 2 driver diligently. However, 2024 is turning out to be the worst season for the Mexican at Red Bull Racing, as he’s eighth in the driver standings, with six Q1 exits in 23 races. Considering that he’s driving the same RB20 car as his teammate, the gulf in performance between the two drivers has led to many questioning his place in the team.

A seat at Red Bull Racing doesn’t open up every day, and there will be plenty of drivers interested should the team part ways with the 34-year-old. The likes of Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson have already been linked to the role, even though ‘Checo’ will not give up without a fight at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Christian Horner is grateful for Perez’s contributions

While Max Verstappen has been a constant presence in Red Bull Racing’s garage, the team has struggled to find a reliable teammate for him over the years. That was until Sergio Perez arrived in 2021. Since then, the team has seen a dramatic upturn in performance, as the Dutchman won his first World Championship, followed by consecutive triumphs in the Constructors Standings for the Milton Keynes-based outfit as well. ‘Checo’ has managed to do what Daniel Ricciardo or Alex Albon failed to do, which brings a certain level of credibility to his name.

As a result, Red Bull Racing’s team principal Christian Horner is giving him all the chances he deserves. Despite a difficult season, the 51-year-old motorsports executive went on to say, “Nobody’s forcing him one way or another. It’s not a nice situation for him to be in. He’s won five Grands Prix for us, and he’s had some outstanding performances in races like Singapore, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia, to name but a few. Everybody holds Checo in the highest regard and respect. But obviously, the situation that we’re in is as painful for him as it is for the team.”

With Verstappen winning the race in Qatar, Sergio Perez can take solace in the fact that the RB20 has the speed to compete against Formula 1’s very best. All the Mexican needs to do is get the most out of his car at the Yas Marina Circuit and secure a victory. The 34-year-old has been there and done that with Red Bull Racing. All he needs to do is regain his confidence and drive fearlessly, with his Formula 1 career seemingly on the line at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Do you think Sergio Perez will remain at Red Bull Racing in 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!