For the last few weeks, there has been a lot of speculation regarding Sergio Perez and his future. He has received criticism from the fans, media, and the Helmut Marko who happens to be his own team’s advisor. The latest rumors suggest that Sergio Perez is expected to announce his retirement at the Mexican Grand Prix this year.
Checo Perez currently has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2024 season. He signed the contract last year after winning the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite starting the 2023 season on a high, he has been having a disappointing season since the Monaco Grand Prix. This has placed doubts on his future with the team.
Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor has publically criticized the Mexican driver as well. Recently, a post was published on Reddit claiming that Sergio Perez will announce his retirement from the sport at the Mexican Grand Prix. According to the post, Red Bull has already told Perez that they don’t wish to keep him after the 2023 season. This has left Perez no other choice but to retire to save his reputation.
🚨 Sources close to Checo have denied retirement rumours
Today, a Reddit-post was made suggesting Checo would announce his retirement at the Mexican GP, but this has been quickly shut down and is “completely false”
[@GPFansES] pic.twitter.com/FwUHZD66Ue
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) October 12, 2023
Sergio Perez has been very open about wanting to spend time with his family and about his mental health. Being a Red Bull driver alongside Max Verstappen is not exactly the easiest thing. Perez has faced a lot of criticism as he has not been able to challenge Max Verstappen in the Red Bull.
If any other driver was able to challenge Max Verstappen, Perez would not have to deal with so much criticism. These backlashes from the media could force Perez to call it a career after this season.
Rumors of retirement have been denied by sources close to Sergio Perez
Soon after this rumor started, sources close to the Mexican driver denied these rumors. They claim that it is nothing but speculation. However, there have been indications that even Helmut Marko does not want Perez in the team.
Helmut Marko has been very vocal about Perez’s performance this season. During the start of the season, Perez emerged as the only challenger to Max Verstappen for the Championship. However, during qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, he crashed and had to start from last place. Since this incident, Perez has never driven like he used to.
Christian Horner admitted Red Bull no longer has a pair of drivers like Formula 1 rivals Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren as Sergio Perez struggles against Max Verstappen continued in Qatar.
“I think with a car like we have, he’s probably putting that pressure on himself,” said… pic.twitter.com/ZBZNbjU9Ph
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 9, 2023
Back in 2020, before joining Red Bull, the Mexican driver did not have a contract to drive for the 2021 season. During the Sakhir Grand Prix, Although he started the race from a decent position, he dropped to last place after an opening-lap incident involving Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. However, he fought back from last place with a number of impressive overtakes. The Mexican driver went on to win the race to mark his first race win in Formula 1.
Following this race, Perez was offered a contract to drive for Red Bull from the 2021 season onwards. At the time, there were rumors that he would retire if he was not asked to drive for Red Bull. Wearing the Austrian outfit, Perez has won 5 races and accomplished 22 podium finishes. He is clearly the most accomplished driver among the last 3 teammates Max Verstappen has had.
Do you think Sergio Perez will retire from Formula 1 racing after this season? Post your answers in the comments section below.