The atmosphere at Red Bull is tense. The Austrian team is facing an unprecedented crisis following Sergio “Checo” Pérez’s refusal to renew his contract, the elimination of Liam Lawson as a possible regular driver, and growing rumors of an offer from Mercedes to snatch Max Verstappen away. All of this has generated a brutal reaction from Helmut Marko and Christian Horner, who now must navigate an internal storm while seeking urgent solutions to maintain the team’s stability.

Checo Pérez says ‘no’ to Red Bull and unleashes chaos

Sergio Pérez, the Mexican driver who has been a key part of Red Bull’s dominance in recent years, has decided not to renew his contract with the team. Although negotiations initially seemed on track, sources close to the team have revealed that Pérez is seriously considering other options outside the team, including the possibility of joining another competitive team or even retiring from F1 if he doesn’t receive an offer guaranteeing him a leading role.

The news has taken Red Bull executives by surprise, especially Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, who had counted on Pérez’s continued contract to ensure the team’s stability. However, the Mexican’s dissatisfaction with the treatment he received and his desire to stop being considered a “second-tier driver” were key factors in his decision to reject the contract extension.

Liam Lawson out of the equation: Red Bull is out of options

As if the situation with Checo wasn’t complicated enough, Red Bull has also decided not to promote Liam Lawson to full-time. The young New Zealander, who showed impressive performances when he had the opportunity to race in F1, will not be part of the team’s plans for 2025, leaving many fans surprised and questioning the management’s decisions.

This move suggests that Red Bull could be looking for a more experienced driver to fill the seat Pérez is leaving vacant, with names like Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso being bandied about in the paddock. However, the lack of clarity regarding the team’s strategy is only fueling the uncertainty.

Mercedes is stalking: Verstappen in Toto Wolff’s sights

Amidst the internal chaos at Red Bull, an external threat has emerged in the form of Mercedes. The German team, which is looking for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton following his possible retirement or departure, has set its sights on Max Verstappen. According to paddock sources, Toto Wolff has initiated contact with the three-time world champion’s entourage to explore the possibility of signing him and giving him the first-drive seat at the Silver Star team.

While Verstappen has expressed his loyalty to Red Bull on several occasions, recent tensions within the team and the possible departure of Pérez could influence his decision. Furthermore, the fact that Adrian Newey, the mastermind behind the design of the Red Bull car, is also considering his departure could be another factor in Verstappen seriously considering Mercedes’ offer.

Horner and Marko’s reaction: desperation at Red Bull

The combination of these factors has sparked an explosive reaction within Red Bull. Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are in crisis mode, trying to find quick solutions to prevent the team from falling apart. According to reports leaking from the paddock, tensions have risen among management, with disagreements over the strategy to follow and how to address the situation.

Horner is pushing for calm and trying to convince Pérez to stay, while Marko is aggressively exploring options in the driver market to prevent the Mexican’s departure from affecting the team’s performance. At the same time, both are concerned about Mercedes’ overtures to Verstappen, which could be the final blow to their dominance in F1.

An uncertain future for Red Bull

Checo Pérez’s refusal, Lawson’s elimination, and the threat from Mercedes have plunged Red Bull into one of its biggest crises in recent years. Although the team remains the strongest on the grid, internal conflicts and future decisions could determine whether they continue to dominate F1 or are on the verge of an unexpected decline.

With the season in full swing and the driver market in turmoil, the coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of Red Bull and its key players. The only certainty is that tension is at its highest, and any move could change the course of F1 for years to come.