MEXICO CITY — In a move that has shaken the Formula One world, Red Bull Racing has reportedly made an attempt to reinstate Sergio “Checo” Perez to its lineup for the 2025 season. However, according to sources close to the team, Mercedes played a key role in frustrating the negotiations, leaving the Mexican driver’s future up in the air.

In recent weeks, rumours have been circulating about Pérez’s possible departure from Aston Martin, his current team, due to inconsistent results and the lack of a clear direction in his sporting project. In that context, Red Bull, where Checo raced between 2021 and 2024, seemed willing to open the doors to him again.

Helmut Marko, an advisor to the Austrian team, is said to have led the talks to secure Perez’s return as Max Verstappen’s teammate. The intention was to strengthen the team’s structure and take advantage of the Mexican’s experience in developing the car, especially in the face of the growing threat from Mercedes and Ferrari in the championship.

However, according to anonymous sources, Mercedes, which has shown interest in maintaining its hegemony in Formula 1, intervened to prevent this move from being carried out. Toto Wolff, the German team’s boss, is said to have used his influence in the area of ​​contracts and relations with sponsors to persuade Perez to remain at Aston Martin or consider other options outside Red Bull.

“Mercedes cannot afford to let Red Bull gain even more ground with such a strong driver as Checo Perez,” commented one F1 analyst. “The strategy is clear: maintain the balance of power and prevent Red Bull from taking a significant lead in 2025.”

Meanwhile, Perez has not made any official statements regarding his future, but his management team has hinted that several offers are on the table. Among them, there are rumours of a rapprochement with Ferrari, a possible return to McLaren, or even a strategic retirement to focus on other personal projects.

Mexican fans have flooded social media with messages of support, demanding clarity on the future of their idol. Some believe Red Bull would be the best option for Perez to fight for victories again, while others believe Mercedes has acted out of fear of the potential Checo can bring to the Austrian team.

Mercedes’ intervention reflects not only the competitiveness between the teams, but also the complex political dynamics that dominate Formula 1. With the 2025 season on the horizon, this off-track drama could define the development of a championship that promises to be one of the most closely contested in recent years.

For now, Checo Pérez’s return to Red Bull appears to be on hold, but in a sport where everything can change in a matter of days, fans still have hope of seeing him back at the team that took him to the top.