Tensions in the Formula 1 paddock have boiled over following news that no one expected: Sergio “Checo” Pérez has rejected his return to Red Bull for the 2026 season , triggering an earthquake within the Austrian team. The consequences have not been long in coming. Helmut Marko and Christian Horner reacted harshly , Liam Lawson is out of the game, and Mercedes is wasting no time: it is targeting Max Verstappen .

What appeared to be a quiet season for the leading team of recent years has now turned into a maze of strategies, betrayals, and critical decisions that could reshape the F1 landscape as we know it.

Checo’s refusal: a risky but calculated move

According to sources close to the Mexican driver, Checo Pérez has decided to reject the extension proposal offered by Red Bull , citing a lack of internal support, constant tensions with Helmut Marko, and the media pressure he has faced since joining the team in 2021.

This decision, which has surprised even those closest to him, reflects a new Checo: more mature, more assertive, and with a clear vision for his future in F1 . In the words of someone close to the driver: “Checo is tired of being the shadow. He wants to lead, not survive.”

Marko explodes: “Whoever doesn’t want to be here, let them leave.”

Helmut Marko’s reaction was swift. In statements leaked to German media, the Red Bull senior advisor took a direct shot at the Mexican driver:

“Checo has been inconsistent. We gave him the best car in the world, but he hasn’t been able to live up to it. If he doesn’t want to be here, then he shouldn’t be.”

Marko’s tone has been interpreted as a declaration of internal war. Beyond Pérez’s rejection, the situation has exposed a deep rift within the team , especially in the management of its drivers.

Horner takes sides and sacrifices Lawson

Christian Horner, who has tried to maintain a more conciliatory stance, ended up surprising everyone by announcing Liam Lawson’s departure from the Red Bull driver program. The decision has drawn criticism from fans and experts, given the talent and potential shown by the young New Zealander.

Some analysts point out that Horner has given in to pressure from Marko to maintain hierarchy and discipline within the team, albeit at the expense of young talent.

Verstappen, increasingly closer to Mercedes

Amid the chaos, Mercedes is keeping a close eye on things—and with clear intentions . According to reports from Germany, Toto Wolff has intensified contact with Max Verstappen’s entourage , tempting him with a “tailor-made team” project for 2026, a key year due to the regulatory change.

Although the three-time champion has remained silent, his discomfort with the internal disputes and divided loyalties within Red Bull is evident . Some insiders even suggest that the Dutch driver has asked for contractual guarantees regarding his teammate selection, something Horner is unwilling to budge on.

End of the Red Bull era?

The possible departure of Checo Pérez, the sidelining of Lawson, and the rumors about Verstappen mark the beginning of a new period of uncertainty for Red Bull . The team that firmly dominated recent seasons is now weakened by decisions that could have irreversible consequences.

Furthermore, the team environment is beginning to show signs of fracturing , with engineers and key members considering offers from rivals such as Aston Martin and Ferrari.

And now what?

With the driver market hotter than ever, the coming weeks will be decisive. Red Bull will have to decide whether to commit to a profound restructuring or try to maintain an image of unity that, at this point, seems like a fiction.

For his part, Checo Pérez becomes the big wild card in the market , with options at Audi, Aston Martin and, surprisingly, a possible return to McLaren.

The only thing that is clear is that Formula 1 is about to enter a new era , and it all started with a “no.”