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Perez stays at Red Bull: why that's a smart move for him and the team
- Ludo van Denderen
It is a goodbye, but then again it is not. While Sergio Perez has been replaced by Liam Lawson as number two driver alongside Max Verstappen, the Mexican does remain linked to Red Bull Racing. A smart move by the Austrians and who knows where that will eventually lead? A comeback to F1 at Red Bull Racing even?
When Daniel Ricciardo was recalled by Red Bull a few years ago after a failed adventure at McLaren, there was suddenly a new term: 'The Third Driver'. No longer the reserve or test driver role, Ricciardo was the third driver behind Verstappen and Perez. It has since become a term used by several teams in the paddock. Last week, for instance, Mercedes emphasised that Valtteri Bottas is the Third Driver in '25 and not the reserve driver.
Perez the best replacement at Red Bull
In the end, Ricciardo even managed to make it back to compete actively F1 driver. At Red Bull's sister team, AlphaTauri/VCARB, but still: The position of Third Driver led to another chance in Formula 1. Wouldn't that be possible for Perez? Indeed, the chances of him getting another permanent seat at Red Bull Racing and certainly Racing Bulls are slim. But if at any point a driver drops out, Perez is the best choice to replace them temporarily.
Team principal Christian Horner meanwhile announced that Perez has not left Red Bull completely. The Mexican will be in action during some of the Austrians' demo runs in 2025. If Red Bull are smart, Perez could even be called up if Verstappen or Lawson are injured or once suspended. Especially the latter is not completely out of the box to think about when Verstappen's number of penalty points are considered.
Still, a nice farewell to F1?
Perez is the ideal backup for an emergency situation; because of his experience in Formula 1 and he knows Red Bull Racing inside and out. He does not need more time to adjust himself to the situation, Perez can sit in the car and drive. Moreover - and this is important for Mexican fans in particular - it allows him to have a nice farewell moment to Formula One after all. Of course, Perez does not have a future in the sport. But neither does presumed reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa, so why not rely on someone with experience?
As Perez's father explained: Sergio will only return to Formula 1 if he gets the chance at a top team. That's Red Bull, so no doubt he won't say 'no' to any opportunities. A win-win situation for Perez and Red Bull. With that, it is time to wait for Red Bull to announce they will also have Third Driver once again, this time named Sergio Perez.
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