Sergio Perez is under increasing pressure regarding his performance as Liam Lawson emerges as a potential contender for his Red Bull seat. Lawson has been brought back to Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB, for the last six races of the season after being called up to replace the struggling Daniel Ricciardo. This development places Perez in a precarious position, as Red Bull looks to secure a strong teammate for Max Verstappen for the 2025 season.
Initially, Red Bull hoped that Ricciardo’s return would create enough competition to push Perez out of the team. However, Ricciardo’s disappointing results led to his departure instead. Now, Lawson has a chance to showcase his skills in these six races, potentially earning a place alongside Yuki Tsunoda at VCARB or moving up to Red Bull, as suggested by Timo Glock. The emergence of Lawson adds significant pressure on Perez, who must improve his performance to hold onto his seat.
In response to rumors of his impending retirement, particularly with the Mexican Grand Prix approaching, Perez has humorously dismissed these claims. He shared a famous meme from “The Wolf of Wall Street,” asserting his intention to continue racing. Yet, despite his insistence, the possibility of being replaced remains if Lawson performs well during the final races of the season.
Contractual considerations may also impact Perez’s future at Red Bull. Glock pointed out that Lawson’s ongoing presence in VCARB indicates he is being groomed for higher responsibilities in the short term. If Lawson impresses in the coming races, it could create a challenging situation for Red Bull regarding Perez’s future, especially given that his recent performances have been less than stellar. Although Perez signed a two-year extension in May, his results will ultimately determine whether he retains his position.
Moreover, Perez’s performance is critical not only for his own career but also for Verstappen’s championship ambitions, as he faces pressure from Lando Norris, who is narrowing the gap in the title race. Norris benefits from the strong support of teammate Oscar Piastri, while Verstappen requires more consistent backing from Perez. Additionally, Red Bull is aiming to regain its lead in the Constructors’ Championship, currently trailing McLaren by 41 points. With so much at stake, Perez must deliver strong results in the final races to secure both his future and the team’s success.
