"It can be a little bit stressful": Sergio Perez on the impending Red Bull contract extension

Sergio Perez believes the negotiations for the 2025 seat are stressful in Red Bull’s high-pressure environment at an early stage of the season. Speaking to media including Sportskeeda in Imola, the Mexican driver felt that the negotiations along with the pressure to deliver was hectic.

Red Bull have not yet re-signed Sergio Perez for the 2025 seat and there are several contenders for his drive. The 34-year-old is feeling the pressure of having to perform and retain his seat in the sport either with the current team or another. Although he wishes to have his future sorted soon, it is highly unlikely that the Milton Keynes team would want to make a decision this early.

Asked by Sportskeeda if the negotiations for 2025 were distracting and pressured his current performance, Sergio Perez said:

“With formula 1 theres always pressure, if you’ve done a deal or not. Because we always have to perform and specially Red Bull you know, it is a very heavy pressure environment. So it doesn’t change, it can be a little bit stressful to be doing negotiations while we have so much work to do on weekends and when we are back in the simulator. But I believe that sooner rather than later we will know and I will know what I’ll do in the future.”

---

Sergio Perez wishes to have 2025 drive sorted prior to summer break

Sergio Perez stated that he wanted to sort out his future in the sport before the summer break. Having had a more consistent start in 2024 compared to previous seasons, he wanted to focus on the crucial part of the season. With many contenders for the Red Bull seat or 2025, it is a decision that is speculated to take until July.

Asked about the negotiations for the 2025 seat and his future, Sergio Perez said:

“Still nothing has been signed, so everything its still open. But I believe very soon, we are getting into an intense part of the season and I want to get it out of the way because I think its important that I focus on the racing side. So yeah I hope sooner rather than later, everything can be finalised and we can share with you.”

Asked about whether he was confident he would be retained at Red Bull, he replied:

“I think until nothing is signed. Everything is an option for now.”

Alex Albon was one of the contenders for his seat who has extended his contract with Wiliams for another two years. But Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz remain prime contenders for that seat. However, it will be critical for Sergio Perez to close the gap between himself and Max Verstappen or retain second place in the championship, to be able to retain his seat at Red Bull with ease.

In the last six races, the Mexican has outperformed the Dutchman in only one race in Australia, where the latter had a retirement. In the driver’s championship, the reigning champion leads him by a margin of 33 points.