Sergio Perez is reportedly set to be replaced by a Formula 1 rookie in a surprising move, despite having extended his contract earlier this year. The Mexican driver is under immense pressure to retain his seat at Red Bull following a dramatic slump in form during the 2024 season.
After a strong start to the year, Sergio Perez has struggled to finish in the top positions. His last podium finish came at the Chinese Grand Prix in April, and since then, he hasn’t been able to break into the top five. With only 48 points across the last 15 races, Perez now sits eighth in the drivers’ standings, trailing teammate Max Verstappen by over 200 points.
Red Bull‘s disappointing performances have also been linked to Perez’s struggles, as the team has fallen behind both McLaren and Ferrari in recent months. Despite Christian Horner backing Perez, frustration is growing as the season nears its end, and this has put the driver’s seat in jeopardy.
Several names have emerged as potential replacements for Perez, including Liam Lawson, who recently stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo. Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto are also rumored to be in the running. However, 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill has expressed confidence that Liam Lawson is the most likely candidate for the job, praising the Kiwi’s performance in his limited appearances so far.
Hill shared his thoughts, saying: “I would have put Carlos Sainz there, but that’s not going to happen. So, I think it’s Liam Lawson, almost certainly because they’ve got experience with him.” Hill also mentioned the possibility of a surprise move for Colapinto due to potential financial backing, but noted Lawson’s experience as a decisive factor in Perez’s potential replacement.
As the 2024 F1 season draws to a close, Perez’s future remains uncertain, and all eyes are on Red Bull to see whether they will make the shock decision to replace their star driver with a rookie.
