In a dramatic turn of events behind the scenes at Red Bull Racing, rumors have surfaced suggesting that the team was prepared to dismiss their Mexican driver, Sergio Perez, before Liberty Media, Formula 1’s controlling company, intervened to prevent the move. This development adds a new layer to the ongoing drama within Red Bull, where Perez has been under increasing pressure due to inconsistent performances throughout the 2024 season.
Sergio Perez has faced significant scrutiny within the Red Bull camp, as his performance in recent races has not lived up to the expectations set by the team. Despite starting the season strong with podium finishes, Perez’s form has dipped, and his results have been overshadowed by his teammate Max Verstappen’s continued dominance. The internal dissatisfaction reportedly reached a boiling point, with Red Bull management contemplating replacing Perez in an effort to bolster the team’s performance for the remainder of the season.
Sources within the paddock suggest that Red Bull had explored the possibility of terminating Perez’s contract prematurely, with a view to bringing in a younger, more consistent driver. However, this decision was not well-received by external stakeholders, particularly Formula 1’s governing body, Liberty Media.
Liberty Media, the American corporation that owns the commercial rights to Formula 1, reportedly stepped in to halt Perez’s dismissal. Their intervention is said to have been motivated by Perez’s significant popularity in Mexico and Latin America, where he has a massive following. Liberty Media views Perez as a key figure in expanding F1’s presence in these markets, especially with the continued growth of the sport in North America.
Perez’s fanbase, combined with his role in promoting the Mexican Grand Prix, has made him a valuable asset not just to Red Bull but to the broader F1 ecosystem. Removing Perez mid-season could have had negative consequences for the sport’s marketing efforts, particularly in a region where Formula 1 is looking to gain more traction. As a result, Liberty Media reportedly persuaded Red Bull to hold off on any drastic moves until at least the end of the season.
This intervention has provided Perez with a temporary reprieve, but the pressure on him to perform remains immense. With Red Bull aiming to maintain its dominance in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, Perez will need to deliver consistently strong performances to secure his seat for 2025. The team has already shown its willingness to make tough decisions in the past, as seen with previous drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who were both demoted when they failed to meet Red Bull’s high standards.
Perez’s future at Red Bull is now more uncertain than ever, and while Liberty Media’s intervention has saved him for now, his long-term prospects hinge on his ability to turn his season around. Perez can regain the form that made him a force to be reckoned with earlier in his career remains to be seen.
The revelation that Red Bull wanted to dismiss Sergio Perez but was stopped by Liberty Media highlights the complex intersection of business, sport, and entertainment in modern Formula 1. As Red Bull weighs its options and Perez faces mounting pressure, the next few races will be crucial in determining his future with the team. For now, Perez remains in the driver’s seat, but his performance will be under close scrutiny as the 2024 season heads into its final stages.
