Mexican GP prepares for Formula 1 without Sergio Perez as the Red Bull driver’s future looks unsteady amidst poor results

The Mexican GP organizers envisioned the future of the race without their fabled hero Sergio Perez.

Mexican GP prepares for Formula 1 without Sergio Perez as the Red Bull driver’s future looks unsteady amidst poor results

Sergio Perez (via Planet F1)

Since its return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2015 after a 23-year hiatus, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has been a beloved fixture. The Mexican fans have lined up in huge numbers for the Grand Prix but the majority of the fans still come to the fabled circuit to cheer their local hero, Sergio Perez, on. However, amidst Perez’s continuous woes in 2023, the organizers, now grapple with an unsettling question of what would happen if local hero Sergio Perez, also known as Checo, decided to step away from F1.

In the 2023 season, Checo’s once-promising title challenge waned during the summer. While he’s contracted with Red Bull for 2024, he’s struggled to match Max Verstappen’s performance since Miami. Federico Rodriguez, the managing director of the Mexican Grand Prix organizer, commented on losing Perez and the future of the fixture. Rodriguez talked about it, as reported by Motorsport.com.

He is our superhero, one of our top international athletes. We'll miss him, but we need to plan for that day. [Perez' farewell from Formula 1] could reduce sales. But we know that will happen. That's why we work hard to improve the [overall] experience for visitors.

Rodriguez, however, remained optimistic about the Mexican Grand Prix’s future as he confessed about focusing on the entire spectrum that Formula 1 has to offer rather than their local driver. The current contract of the racetrack with Formula 1 runs until 2025. Rodriguez aims to extend this contract as they brace for a future without Perez.

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Christian Horner dismissed Sergio Perez’s retirement rumors as he praises the Mexican’s relationship with Red Bull

Despite Sergio Perez being under contract with Red Bull for 2024, many reports have claimed that the team has been on the lookout for the Mexican’s replacement. Once such a report housed a rumor about Perez’s retirement from F1 at the end of 2023 is imminent. Christian Horner, the Boss at Red Bull addressed these rumours.

Christian Horner (via imago)
Christian Horner (via imago)

Horner emphatically dismissed the rumours. Furthermore, Horner addressed the persistent chatter surrounding the ‘second seat at Red Bull’ and the possibility of Perez being replaced in 2024. He emphasized Perez’s positive relationship with the team and his teammate, Max Verstappen.

First of all, there’s absolutely no plan of any retirement! [Sergio] has a great relationship with the team, a strong relationship with his teammate, and we want to see him finish second in the championship, which is something we’ve never achieved before – to have a one-two.

Despite recent criticism regarding his performance, it should be noted that Perez still holds the second position in the Driver’s standings. Lewis Hamilton is the closest contender for Perez’s P2 spot, trailing the Red Bull driver by 20 points.