Perez acknowledges for the first time that his Red Bull future is uncertain
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- Nicole Mulder
Sergio Perez acknowledges for the first time after his early retirement at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that his time at Red Bull Racing could be over. However, the Mexican is still not planning to leave on his own accord.
Perez uncertain
For Perez, his last Formula 1 race of the year was over early after a collision with Valtteri Bottas ended his race. Arriving back in the paddock, the Mexican is seen talking to the likes of GPblog and asked what emotions are running through him.
"Well, at the moment, I don't know. I just know that I've got a contract to race next year. And unless something changes in the coming days, that's going to be the situation for next year," he already sounds a little more uncertain than before.
Perez was always very confident about his position, given his ongoing contract that was extended earlier this year. Asked why the bosses at Red Bull are having talks about who will be the second driver alongside Verstappen next season, he replied, "That's something you need to ask them."
Perez admits to talks with Red Bull
He continued: "I think at the moment all I can say is I got a contract, that I signed up in the middle of the year to race for the team for the next two years. So, we'll see what happens and how the conversation goes in the coming days."
With that, Perez acknowledged for the first time that talks are ongoing about his future, as well as possible candidates to replace him. Liam Lawson seems the biggest contender, but Yuki Tsunoda has not been ruled out either. However, Perez is not giving up his seat next to Max Verstappen just yet. "We are talking to try to see what's best moving forward and we'll see what happens in the coming days," he continued.
"Like I said, we're going to be talking in the coming days and we will discuss what the situation is from both parties and see if we are able to reach an agreement. If not, like I said, I've got a contract for next year," he replied when asked about a possible role as ambassador for the team. Asked if he has no intention of stepping down of his own accord, a clear answer followed: "No."
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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