Mika Hakkinen claims Red Bull ‘unlikely’ to retain Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez's contract with Red Bull expires at the end of 2024.

Mika Hakkinen claims Red Bull ‘unlikely’ to retain Sergio Perez

Mika Hakkinen [L] Sergio Perez [R] (images via IMAGO)

Sergio Perez‘s contract with Red Bull expires at the end of 2024. The Mexican driver had a disappointing campaign this year as he failed to match teammate Max Verstappen. Questions have been raised over the 33-year-old’s future at Milton Keynes. Former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen has reckoned that Red Bull might not resign Checo for 2025.

Hakkinen acknowledged that Red Bull would prefer to retain the Mexican driver as Mexico is a major market for its energy drinks. However, the Finn pointed out that the team needs two drivers who are capable of developing the car. Subsequently, Mika Hakkinen believed that Sergio Perez was unlikely to stay at Milton Keynes beyond 2024.

Is Perez's future in Red Bull? I think it's very unlikely.

Mika Hakkinen told Unibet International

Moreover, the former F1 champion pointed out that when a second driver like Perez accepts their role, it transforms the environment of the team. It would allow the Mexican driver to stay motivated and communicate effectively with the media. However, Sergio Perez has made it clear that he aims to fight Verstappen for the title in 2024.

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If the slower driver accepts the situation, he is able to communicate well with the media and with the team, he develops the car, he is motivated and remains within three to four tenths of his fastest partner, it is not a bad situation.

Sergio Perez needs a good 2024 season to save Red Bull seat

The Mexican driver had high ambitions for 2023. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned for the 33-year-old. Checo could only win two races this year compared to a record-breaking nineteen victories for Max Verstappen. This forced Sergio Perez to play second-fiddle to the Dutchman in the second half of the season.

Sergio Perez and Dr. Helmut Marko (image via IMAGO)
Sergio Perez and Dr. Helmut Marko (image via IMAGO)

Perez remains determined to fight for the title next season. The Mexican driver hopes to go head-to-head with Verstappen at Red Bull. The 33-year-old would need to deliver consistent results for the team if he wants to get an extension from Milton Keynes. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has made it clear that the Austrian team will look into its options for 2025.

Certainly, pressure will be on Perez’s shoulders in 2024. The 33-year-old would need to have a solid campaign to put an end to criticism in the media. However, the Mexican driver will face stiff competition next season as rivals try to bridge the gap with Red Bull. Fans would be looking forward to seeing how things pan out at Milton Keynes in the upcoming F1 season.

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