'Red Bull must pay Perez, but don't have to give him an F1 seat'
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Rumors
On Sky Sports F1 broadcast on Friday, an interesting theory about Sergio Perez's future was discussed. Journalist Craig Slater reports that Red Bull Racing is not obliged to put the Mexican in the seat next year, but they are simply unable to get him out of a contract. It would be possible to simply continue paying Perez and use him as an ambassador, similar to Daniel Ricciardo's ex-role with the Red Bull family.
Perez extended his contract at Red Bull earlier this year until 2026, but the Mexican's performance has been underwhelming. Team boss Christian Horner is yet to confirm Perez as their 2025 driver, insisting that it will be his choice. 'Checo' has scored 152 points this season and is the only driver from the top four teams not to win a single race this season.
Sky's theory:
"And on that contract, does the contract have a clear stipulation that, yes, he'll be staying at Red Bull, but that he will be driving Formula 1 machinery? My information is that it's a big surprise that it doesn't have that particular codicil within it. So theoretically, Red Bull could keep paying him, have him drive show cars, have him spend the year as an ambassador, but they would not need to keep him in a car." He revealed.
Should the seat indeed go to Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson, this will be Perez's last weekend in Formula 1 (for now). Indeed, all other seats have already been given away. The saga is to be continued, no doubt...
This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder
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