P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull looks increasingly likely to replace Sergio Perez when it finalises its 2025 Formula 1 driver line-ups after this season’s finale in Abu Dhabi this week
Red Bull is likely to replace Sergio Perez in the 2025 Formula 1 driver line-up after the Abu Dhabi season finale. Despite Perez’s claims he’ll continue as Max Verstappen’s teammate next year, his position has been uncertain since Red Bull considered dropping him in the summer. Team boss Christian Horner confirmed Red Bull will evaluate its options after Abu Dhabi and is leaning towards replacing Perez with Liam Lawson. Perez has struggled to match his early-season form, and his inability to work around car issues like Verstappen has impacted his performance. Red Bull aims for Perez to recognize the end of his tenure to avoid a costly pay-off and maintain a brand relationship. Christian Horner indicated Perez needs to come to his own conclusions about his future with the team. The team is focusing on transitioning to Lawson as Perez’s replacement in the long term.
