Sergio Perez Seeks Multi-Year Red Bull Contract as Team Weighs Options for 2025

Sergio Perez, the Mexican driver currently racing for Red Bull, has expressed his desire for a multi-year contract extension with the team. Perez, whose current contract expires at the end of the 2024 season, believes that securing a longer-term deal is vital, given the upcoming 2026 rule changes and the importance of being part of a long-term project.

However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has suggested that the team is not in a hurry to make a decision on their driver lineup for the 2025 season. Horner acknowledged Perez's strong performances in the first four races of the 2024 season, where he finished second to teammate Max Verstappen in three of them, but emphasized that the team wants to see a larger sample size before committing to a new contract.

Perez currently sits second in the Drivers' Championship standings and is confident that a new deal with Red Bull will be reached in the coming weeks. "It's only a matter of time before I sign a new contract, especially after Fernando Alonso's re-signing at Aston Martin," Perez stated.

Despite Perez's optimism, Horner has tempered expectations of an imminent contract announcement, indicating that the team will evaluate their options over the course of the season. Red Bull is reportedly considering other drivers for the second seat alongside Verstappen, who is on a long-term contract until 2028.

One name that has emerged as a potential candidate is Carlos Sainz, currently racing for Ferrari. Reports suggest that Audi has made a substantial offer to Sainz for the 2025 season, which Red Bull may not be able to match. Horner praised Sainz as a quality driver but refrained from disclosing any details about the offers made to him by other teams.

Why this matters: The outcome of Perez's contract negotiations with Red Bull could have significant implications for the team's future success and the driver market as a whole. With the 2026 rule changes on the horizon, securing a strong and consistent driver lineup will be vital for teams looking to maintain their competitiveness in the long run.

As the 2024 season progresses, Red Bull will closely monitor Perez's performance and consistency before making a decision on his future with the team. Horner emphasized that while they are happy with their current driver pairing, they will take their time to evaluate all options and make a decision that best serves the team's long-term interests. The coming weeks and months will be vital for Perez as he aims to prove his worth and secure a multi-year contract extension with Red Bull.

Key Takeaways

• Sergio Perez wants a multi-year contract extension with Red Bull.
• Red Bull is not in a hurry to decide on their 2025 driver lineup.
• Perez is confident a new deal will be reached, but Horner is cautious.
• Carlos Sainz is a potential candidate for the second Red Bull seat.
• The 2026 rule changes make securing a strong driver lineup crucial.