Sergio Perez has once again reiterated that he is "100 percent certain" he will still be driving for Red Bull in 2025, brushing off the swirling retirement rumours.
Even before Red Bull's decision to pit Liam Lawson against Yuki Tsunoda for the final six races of 2024 at the junior squad RB, speculation about Perez's future had been growing.
Some insiders suggest that the Mexican driver could announce his retirement at his home Grand Prix next weekend, which would create a prime opening alongside Max Verstappen.
According to similar sources, Perez, 34, is supposedly under close scrutiny at every remaining race, with Red Bull holding the option to end his 2025 contract early.
When asked about this, Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko told Osterreich newspaper, "With Checo, inconsistency is the big problem. I don't want to say anything more about that."
Reports indicate that Red Bull is not only concerned about Perez's performance but also wary that Verstappen himself might consider leaving the team. There are even rumours that Red Bull could try to lure Oscar Piastri away from McLaren.
"For now, we are solely focused on winning this world championship," Marko stated. "How we perform next year will depend on that, as our car will not change fundamentally.
"Max has a contract with Red Bull, but as I've mentioned several times, there are exit clauses. Let's see how it all develops. But if the car and environment are not right for him, he may say 'That's it!'" Marko added.
As for the Lawson vs. Tsunoda battle, both drivers clearly understand that a strong performance until the Abu Dhabi season finale could earn them a coveted promotion to the Red Bull Racing team.
"It's been floating around throughout the year," Tsunoda admitted, "but so far, there's no point in talking about it to be honest."
Lawson said: "Yuki's done a very good job the last couple of years and especially this year, and he's the benchmark for them to compare me against. So in terms of where that sets me out for next year or in the future, I have absolutely no idea. But that's the target that's been set."
Amid all the speculation, Perez made it clear he has no plans to retire or leave the sport anytime soon.
"My home race is coming up and I want to make a clear statement," Perez said in Austin. "I am 100 percent sure I will be with this team next year. I have a contract signed and everything else is not my problem.
"Right now, all my thoughts are on sorting out the current problems with the car."
