Sergio Pérez’s tenure at Red Bull Racing appears to be hanging by a thread following a series of underwhelming performances in the 2024 Formula 1 season. The Mexican driver, who started the year with promise by securing four podium finishes in the first five races, has since endured a disastrous streak, failing to finish on the podium in the remaining 18 Grands Prix. As Red Bull executives convene for a critical meeting after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the spotlight shines on Pérez’s future with the team.

Pérez himself has acknowledged the precariousness of his situation, stating, “I have a contract for next year unless something changes in the coming days.” Despite this, Red Bull’s leadership, including Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, have been candid about their dissatisfaction with Pérez’s performance, suggesting that contractual clauses could open the door for an early departure.

One of the key issues has been Pérez’s inability to consistently match his teammate, Max Verstappen, who clinched another championship with commanding performances. In stark contrast, Pérez found himself battling midfield competitors and, at times, even struggling against backmarkers—a glaring disparity in performance for a driver in one of the grid’s top three teams. These shortcomings have not only impacted Red Bull’s reputation but also their financial standings, with the team finishing third in the Constructors’ Championship, resulting in reduced prize money and employee bonuses.

Helmut Marko didn’t shy away from pointing out the ripple effects of Pérez’s struggles, emphasizing that the team’s internal morale has suffered due to the lost bonuses. Similarly, Christian Horner acknowledged the efforts made to support Pérez throughout the season, including chassis changes and tailored setups, but expressed frustration at the lack of results.

The potential financial fallout from Pérez’s departure adds another layer of complexity to the decision. Backed by Carlos Slim and a strong network of sponsors, Pérez brings significant financial clout to Red Bull, as well as popularity in key markets like the Americas. However, Red Bull’s history of prioritizing internal talent development could signal a shift in strategy.

The frontrunners to replace Pérez appear to be Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, both of whom have ties to Red Bull’s driver development program. While Tsunoda has shown flashes of brilliance, his reputation for being overly emotional on track has raised doubts about his suitability as a future team leader. Lawson, on the other hand, has impressed with his composure and adaptability, earning praise from Horner and Marko despite limited opportunities in Formula 1.

Christian Horner has hinted at the importance of maintaining Red Bull’s team philosophy, which emphasizes promoting drivers from within their academy. This approach has historically paid off, producing champions like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Yet, replacing Pérez with Lawson or Tsunoda would mark a bold departure from Red Bull’s reliance on experienced drivers with significant commercial backing.

Looking ahead, Pérez’s options in Formula 1 appear limited. While his financial backing and fan base make him an attractive prospect, his recent performances could deter top teams from offering him a seat. A potential move to a new team like Cadillac in 2026 might provide a lifeline, but such opportunities remain speculative.

The upcoming meeting among Red Bull’s shareholders and executives will likely determine the fate of Pérez’s career with the team. If Red Bull opts for a younger, homegrown talent, it could signal a broader strategy shift aimed at long-term performance rather than short-term financial gains.

As the dust settles on a turbulent season, one question looms large: Has Sergio Pérez driven his last race for Red Bull? The answer may not only shape the future of Red Bull Racing but also leave a lasting impact on the Formula 1 grid. Fans and pundits alike eagerly await the outcome of this pivotal decision.