Sergio Perez’s tenure with Red Bull Racing seems to be nearing its end, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix likely marking his final race for the team. Reliable sources, including ESPN and The Race, have reported that Red Bull has decided to part ways with the Mexican driver after a disappointing season. This decision, reportedly backed by Red Bull’s leadership, reflects the growing need for a stronger second driver to complement Max Verstappen’s dominance.

Perez’s performance has faltered significantly in 2024, with no wins and just four podium finishes, all achieved in the first five races of the season. Since then, his struggles have been apparent, with costly crashes and a lack of consistent points contributing to Red Bull’s challenges in the Constructors’ Championship. The team, which has long prided itself on promoting talent from its junior program, appears poised to follow that philosophy as it evaluates potential replacements for Perez.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, hinted at Perez’s likely departure in recent statements, emphasizing the importance of consistent point-scoring by both drivers. “The points table is what it is,” Horner remarked. “It’s not a nice situation for Checo, but he’s experienced enough to understand the circumstances.” With Verstappen over 200 points ahead of Perez in the drivers’ standings, the disparity has left Red Bull vulnerable to challenges from McLaren and Ferrari in the Constructors’ race.

Adding to the complexity is the financial strain Perez’s performance has placed on the team. Reports indicate that his on-track incidents have cost Red Bull approximately $5 million in car repairs this season. Coupled with the loss of potential prize money from underperformance, the decision to prioritize talent over sponsorship-driven considerations seems inevitable. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, stressed the need for a reliable second driver to maintain the team’s competitiveness, especially as rival teams strengthen their lineups.

Among the leading candidates to replace Perez are Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, both of whom have shown promise in Red Bull’s junior program. Lawson’s performances as a reserve driver have impressed the team, while Tsunoda’s experience and speed could make him a viable option. However, the decision isn’t straightforward. Red Bull’s longstanding partnership with Honda, set to end in 2026, complicates Tsunoda’s prospects, as Honda will shift its engine supply to Aston Martin.

Another potential contender is Isaac Hajar, a standout in Formula 2 and a rising star within Red Bull’s development system. Hajar’s impressive performances have positioned him as a strong candidate for promotion, although concerns remain about his readiness to partner with Verstappen. Meanwhile, outside the Red Bull program, Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa has expressed confidence in his ability to secure a spot, despite the uphill battle he faces as a non-Red Bull junior.

For Perez, the writing seems to be on the wall. Despite his insistence on seeing out his contract, the combination of shareholder pressure and Red Bull’s philosophy of nurturing in-house talent makes his future with the team increasingly uncertain. The stakes are high, as Red Bull must finalize its lineup not only to secure its dominance in the Constructors’ Championship but also to prepare for a potentially resurgent Ferrari in 2025, bolstered by Lewis Hamilton’s arrival.

As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s final decision. Will they promote from within to preserve their legacy of cultivating talent, or will external factors influence their choice? With Monday’s critical meeting involving Red Bull’s shareholders, the announcement is expected to set the tone for the team’s future.

One thing is certain: Red Bull’s ability to maintain its competitive edge hinges on this decision. A strong second driver is not just a luxury but a necessity in today’s fiercely contested Formula 1 landscape. Whether it’s Lawson, Tsunoda, Hajar, or another rising star, the next chapter in Red Bull’s storied history will be defined by who they choose to stand alongside Verstappen in the quest for continued dominance.