Oct.18 (GMM) Sergio Perez has in Austin repeated his mantra about being “100% sure” that he’ll nonetheless be a Purple Bull driver in 2025.
Even previous to the vitality drink firm’s choice to place Liam Lawson head-to-head with Yuki Tsunoda on the junior squad RB for the remaining six races of 2024, rumours have been as soon as once more swirling round Perez.
Some consider the Mexican will announce his retirement at his residence grand prix subsequent weekend, opening up a plum emptiness alongside Max Verstappen.
The identical type of sources consider Perez, 34, is at the moment ‘on probation’ at each single grand prix, with Purple Bull having the ability to terminate his 2025 deal.
When requested about that, Dr Helmut Marko instructed Osterreich newspaper: “With Checo, inconsistency is the large downside.
“I don’t wish to say something extra about that.”
It’s believed that Purple Bull just isn’t solely nervous about Perez’s kind, but additionally nervous that the subsequent huge departure from the staff might be none aside from Verstappen.
Rumours recommend efforts could also be afoot to woo Oscar Piastri away from McLaren.
“For now, we’re solely targeted on successful this world championship,” mentioned Marko. “How we carry out subsequent 12 months will rely on that, as our automobile won’t change essentially.
“Max has a contract with Purple Bull, however as I’ve talked about a number of instances, there are exit clauses. Let’s see the way it all develops.
“But when the automobile and setting will not be proper for him, he might say ‘That’s it!’” the staff’s 81-year-old advisor added.
As for Lawson and Tsunoda, neither of them are hiding that their final prize for performing properly till the Abu Dhabi season finale might be a promotion to Purple Bull Racing.
“It’s been floating round all year long,” mentioned Tsunoda, “however up to now, there’s no level in speaking about it to be sincere.”
Lawson added: “Yuki’s achieved an excellent job the final couple of years and particularly this 12 months and he’s the benchmark for them to match me towards.
“So when it comes to the place that units me out for subsequent 12 months or sooner or later, I’ve completely no thought. However that’s the goal that’s been set,” the 22-year-old added.
However amid the intrigue, Perez moved to obviously reject the rumours a few forthcoming retirement announcement.
“My residence race is arising and I wish to make a transparent assertion,” he mentioned in Austin. “I’m 100% positive I will likely be with this staff subsequent 12 months. I’ve a contract signed and all the pieces else just isn’t my downside.
“Proper now, all my ideas are on finding out the present issues with the automobile.”
