Peter Windsor says ‘various sources’ have told him 6-time winner has already signed 2025 extension

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There will be conversations going on up and down the paddock between drivers and teams right now with 13 drivers out of contract at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

Carlos Sainz is the highest-profile free agent heading into 2025 and has put himself in the shop window with a fantastic victory in Australia.

Reviewing the race on his YouTube channel, expert and former team manager Peter Windsor has shared that sources in the paddock believe one of the key seats on the grid might have already been filled for next year.

Ferrari and McLaren are the only teams with two drivers signed up for 2025 and they’ll both be very happy with their line-ups.

Teams near the back of the grid will be considering changes that could potentially improve their fortunes going into next season and beyond.

However, Peter Windsor believes one of the most enticing seats on the grid might already have been filled for next year.

He has been told by various sources that Sergio Perez has already signed a new contract for the 2025 season with Red Bull.

After back-to-back second-place finishes at the start of the season, he appeared to have turned a corner after struggling to keep up with Max Verstappen last season.

His performance in Australia raised more concerns though as he wasn’t able to capitalise when the Dutchman retired.

Sergio Perez has reportedly signed a new Red Bull contract for 2025

Christian Horner and Helmut Marko will be considering all their options for next season.

They first need to address Max Verstappen’s future with the three-time world champion reportedly considering his options.

If Verstappen departs then suddenly Red Bull need to find a new number-one driver and their options are limited.

Fernando Alonso would be an obvious candidate, but they’re also big fans of McLaren star Oscar Piastri.

All this uncertainty might be the reason that Red Bull have acted early to sign Sergio Perez up to a new contract for 2025.

His suitability to be the team’s number two driver has been questioned after only finishing fifth in Australia.

However, he’s the perfect teammate for Verstappen as he’s never going to challenge him for titles but should be able to do a good enough job to secure Red Bull the Constructors’ Championship.

Red Bull might have just set the 2024 driver market into action

Talking about the Mexican’s future, Windsor said: “I heard in the paddock area from various sources that are pretty reliable that Sergio’s already renewed his contract for next year.

“In which case, you would say, well what was the rush? A bit like Lando re-signing for McLaren, a long-term deal, what was the rush, you would say that about Red Bull with Sergio Perez as well.

“If that’s the case, then that door is obviously closed for Carlos Sainz.”

It would be a blow for Carlos Sainz if a chance to join Red Bull next year is now out of the question.

They’re by far the best option for him on the grid and Martin Brundle is unsure Mercedes are looking at him right now.

That leaves him in a precarious spot, but for Perez, securing a new contract at Red Bull for 2025 is a massive boost for the 34-year-old.

Red Bull have to start planning for the future now

The regulation changes in 2026 are likely to change the landscape of the F1 grid and Red Bull need to make sure they have the strongest line-up possible when that comes around.

Offering Perez a new contract for 2025 is a decent stop-gap, but Verstappen might need a stronger teammate in case the Red Bull isn’t as dominant as it has been for the last few years.

If their interest in Piastri is genuine, then it’s hard to see a better talent on the grid right now and he’ll be approaching the end of his new deal by 2026.

They also have Liam Lawson on their books and with Daniel Ricciardo under huge pressure and Yuki Tsunoda not under consideration, they’ll be keeping a very close eye on the Kiwi.

Perez needs to up his game if he wants to see out his Formula 1 career with the Austrian outfit, but for now, he’s a decent driver to keep things ticking over while they work on keeping Verstappen.