Sergio Perez backer Carlos Slim Domit is considering pulling his Telemex company from the Red Bull Formula 1 sponsorship portfolio while simultaneously considering a deal with Williams’ Franco Colapinto.
The decisions being considered by Slim Domit, one of the richest people in the world with a sprawling telecoms empire, are independent of his backing of Perez.
Perez’ Red Bull future is up in the air, but Slim Domit is poised to withdraw Infinitum and Claro branding from the team’s car as it is stepping up its partnership with telecom rival AT&T.
“The issue of Checo’s contract is separate from the issue of our sponsorship, it has always been like this since he signed with the team, but if there were no longer the opportunity to continue with the team we would undoubtedly continue with Checo,” Slim Domit told ESPN.
“The intention is to continue with Checo, wherever he is we will be with him.”
Perez amid Red Bull decline
After a dismal home Grand Prix in Mexico, speculation is linking Perez with a Red Bull exit before the end of the season.
If that were to be the case, it would make Slim Domit’s backing of Red Bull easier to withdraw.
Furthermore, it would make partnering with Colapinto a surefire way to remain in the F1 picture, but only if the Argentine can find a team.
As it stands, Colapinto’s F1 future is also up in the air, but not for the same reasons as Perez.
The Argentine has impressed since coming into F1, finishing 12th or higher in each of his five GP appearances.
However, Williams has its long-term driver lineup secured from 2025 in the form of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.
That leaves Colapinto with the prospect of a long-term reserve role unless he can wiggle his way into the Sauber or Red Bull-owned F1 lineups in 2025.
Carlos Slim happy to back multiple drivers in F1
Slim Domit has reportedly held an interest in backing Colapinto but confirmed that wouldn’t affect backing Perez simultaneously.
“We have been with many drivers many times, we were with Bruno Senna, we were with Pietro Fittipaldi and we were with the two Mexican drivers with Checo and with Esteban [Gutiérrez],” he said.
“If there was an opportunity to talk about something with Franco, it would not be anything related to Checo.
“We always seek to support Latin American drivers, Franco is doing very well, but without a doubt our important project has always been to continue building the development of Mexican drivers and Checo, without a doubt, is the one who represents us all.”
Perez has received backing from Slim Domit’s telecoms empire since he arrived in F1 in 2011.
However, amid a shocking run of form, that backing might need to follow Perez to another motorsport series altogether.
READ MORE – Red Bull admits ‘difficult decisions have to be made’ on Sergio Perez’s F1 future
