Sergio Perez stated that his next deal with Red Bull is probably not going to be his last in Formula One, as the Mexican driver has not ruled out continuing to compete in the sport for as long as Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
Entering the final year of his former Red Bull contract, Perez went into the F1 2024 season fighting for his future.
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The 34-year-old had three one-two finishes for Red Bull in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Japan to open the new campaign in promising fashion, but he has faltered recently.
On the eve of the Montreal weekend, Red Bull revealed that Perez had signed a new two-year deal, binding him to the team until the end of the Formula One 2026 season, despite his failure to advance to the third round in Emilia Romagna, Monaco, and Canada.
The chance to emulate the longevity of multiple World Champions Alonso and Hamilton—who made their F1 debuts in 2001 and 2007, respectively—has been made possible by Perez, who joined Sauber on the grid in 2011.
at a goal of wrapping out his career at Red Bull, the six-time race winner is optimistic that this new contract won’t end up being his last.
“There’s a long way to go [in my career], when you look at Fernando or even Lewis,” he told reporters.
However, I don’t think I signed my last contract. I doubt that’s what I did.
“I don’t think it’s something you feel because it takes a lot of time, energy, and effort to dedicate two years to Formula 1 racing.”
“To be honest, I don’t really give that much thought, but I am fairly certain that I want to work for Red Bull until the end of my career.”
Prioritizing staying put for Formula One 2025 and beyond, Perez disclosed that he had talks with several teams prior to deciding to sign with Red Bull.
Additionally, the former Force India and McLaren athlete described how exhausting it can be to race for Red Bull, given the team’s particular demands for intensity both on and off the track.
“You’re always talking to different teams,” he clarified.
“While there were alternatives, staying at Red Bull was unquestionably my plan A, B, and C.
“Wherever that may be, this is where I truly want to end my career. I’m just incredibly thrilled since this team has given me so much in my career. Until my very last lap, I just want to give this team my everything.
Red Bull is a team that truly drains your energy.
The intensity with which everything is on track or off track since I’ve come here is something unique; you can’t find this kind of challenge somewhere else. It’s not the kind of problem I’ve encountered in my work.
“I genuinely want to do this and will give it my all when I sign.
It was a really simple negotiation. Since I’ve been on the team for a while, it goes without saying that I believe it is always much simpler to come to an agreement when you are already a part of the group.
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