Red Bull boss Christian Horner has revealed the team will let Sergio Perez “come to his own conclusions” as the pressure continues to mount on his Formula 1 future.
Perez’s disastrous campaign continued in last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix as he was on track to seize a top-five finish until a spin in the closing stages saw him retire.
The Mexican, who lined up ninth, passed the slow-starting Lewis Hamilton on the approach towards Turn 1 and then capitalised on chaos later in the race to move up.
However, Perez lost a valuable points total when a spin under the Safety Car prior to the race resuming on Lap 41 saw his Red Bull get stranded as he burnt the clutch.
“We’re investigating the exact failure,” Horner told media including Motorsport Week post-race.
“But it looks like he’s spun the car and as he’s dropped the clutch, the clutch has had too much temperature go through it.
“So yes, one of those things. But more to come after we’ve stripped the car.”
That was not Perez’s sole escapade last weekend as there was a bizarre incident in the Sprint race when Franco Colapinto overtook him as the pair exited the pitlane.
However, Horner was sceptical when asked about the moment at the time, and appeared to dismiss his driver’s claim once the dust had settled on the entire weekend.
“We sent him to the end of the pit lane seven minutes ahead of Colapinto for a reason,” he highlighted.
“But look, Checo’s contributed a huge amount to this team in the four years that he’s been here.
“The World Championship that Max achieved in 21’. The Constructors World Championships in 22’ and 23’. This year has been particularly hard.
“He’s won five Grand Prixs for us. He’s had some outstanding performances in races like Singapore, Azerbaijan, [and] Saudi Arabia, to name but a few.
“So, everybody holds Checo in the highest of regard and respect. But, obviously, the situation that we’re in is as painful for him as it is for the team.”
Red Bull facing decision on Perez’s future
The Mexican’s point-less return – his third in four events – has guaranteed that Red Bull will not be in contention to retain the Constructors’ Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Red Bull’s grip on the crown has loosened despite Max Verstappen, who has secured the Drivers’ title, securing his ninth win this season to now have an 80-point lead.
Perez has insisted that he will remain with Red Bull in 2025 as he is under contract, but Horner has suggested that his position will be reviewed once the season ends.
“Look, Checo has had a very tough year,” Horner acknowledged. “And obviously the points tables are what they are.
“We’re very much focused on really supporting him to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.
“And then it’s not an enjoyable situation for Checo being in this position with speculation every week.
“He’s old enough and wise enough to know what the situation is. Let’s see where we are after Abu Dhabi.”
Asked whether his comments indicate that it is down to Perez to take the decision, Horner replied: “Look, I’m going to let Checo come to his own conclusions.
“Nobody’s forcing him one way or another. I’m going to let him… it’s not a nice situation for him to obviously be in.”
Horner not willing to discuss replacements
The RB drivers – Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda – have both expressed an eagerness to step up to Red Bull, but Horner wouldn’t be drawn on who could replace Perez.
Questioned on who Red Bull’s insurance option is in case Perez is moved aside, Horner responded: “I think that’s all hypothetical subject to what happens with Checo.
“So, let’s get to the end of Abu Dhabi and then see where we are,” he concluded.
READ MORE – Red Bull reveals Sergio Perez role in Max Verstappen’s Qatar F1 turnaround
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