Why Red Bull remains anxiously silent about Verstappen team-mate

The story is now well known. Sergio Perez is under considerable pressure at Red Bull and it appears almost certain he will not be Max Verstappen’s team-mate in 2025.

Perez was on the podium in four of the first five races, whilst he was a solid fourth in the Miami Grand Prix. At that stage, he appeared well-placed to again provide a major supporting role to Verstappen, as was the case last year.

But there followed a dramatic collapse in form for the Mexican as he collected a paltry 49 points in the remaining 18 races. As a result, Red Bull had to cede the constructors’ title to McLaren.

All the while, Perez’s future has been a considerable source of speculation, not least as the field is expected to remain close in the final year of the current regulations, and Red Bull needs a reliable number two in the fight to reclaim the team crown.

On Monday, following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull scheduled a crucial meeting involving team principal Christian Horner, advisor Helmut Marko, along with the team’s shareholders, to decide on the 2025 line-up.

The overall expectation was that Perez would leave and Liam Lawson likely appointed as his replacement. Isack Hadjar, who finished runner-up in the F2 championship, would then partner Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls.

So far, however, Red Bull has remained anxiously silent.

A complex situation that is quite simple

The reason is actually quite simple: Perez’s departure remains a complex issue.

Red Bull has to figure out a compensation package for Perez, who signed a new one-plus-one deal in early June that guaranteed him another season with the team in 2025. This involves a considerable sum of money.

Naturally, given the complexities and clauses involved in such a deal, lawyers from both parties will be looking to get the best deal for their clients. That takes some time.

In addition, Red Bull is also in no hurry to go public with the news. Any shifts will all take place within the family, leaving Red Bull in control of the positions of the various drivers.

All in all, it is unsurprising Red Bull is keeping its cards close to its chest for a while longer.

First, complete all the formalities and then quietly share the decisions with the outside world.

One thing is certain, Perez’s Red Bull career is in serious jeopardy, especially if you listen to his words after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

After all, negotiating an already-signed contract with Red Bull does not sound hugely convincing. Now we need confirmation from the team.