Sergio Perez delivers ‘coming to an end’ message amid pressure on immediate Red Bull future

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Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez is arguably under more pressure than any other driver in Formula 1 right now.

The 2025 F1 grid is almost complete and while Sergio Perez currently has a contract with Red Bull for next year, things can change very quickly in this sport.

Perez is under increasing pressure at Red Bull having failed to finish on the podium since the Miami Grand Prix Sprint Race.

Red Bull are closely studying Perez’s contract to see whether he could be released before 2025.

RB drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are both gunning for the Mexican’s seat, while Red Bull have also been linked with Williams driver Franco Colapinto.

There are only three races remaining and with teammate Max Verstappen almost guaranteed to win a fourth title, Red Bull can start concentrating on the Constructors’ Championship.

Perez’s underperformance has made winning a third consecutive title look very unlikely, but a sharp upturn in form might be the only thing that can save him going forward.

Perez was speaking on the Padpoh podcast about his future and admitted that he’s not got long left at the highest level of motorsport.

He’s spoken about his priorities going forward and despite Red Bull offering Perez a role for when his racing career ends, he has other ambitions he’d like to concentrate on.

Sergio Perez says his F1 career is ‘coming to an end’ but avoids setting racing deadline

Talking about his future, Perez said: “I’m a bit older than Max, so I’m already at the end of my career. I’m 34 years old.

“For me, the biggest commitment is my kids, because they are getting to critical ages and, with 24 races on the calendar and the total commitment we have to have, it’s not sustainable for many more years.

“I know I’m coming to the end. I just want to enjoy it and have a good time.”

Perez didn’t give an exact date for his retirement from F1 but said he would love to promote Mexican motorsport when he was finished.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Sergio Perez’s life outside F1 from net worth to nickname

The 34-year-old continued: “In the future, I would love to work with young people, especially with people from my country.

“We have seen great growth in the sport, for us to have a Formula 1 driver was something very important.’

“Hopefully, we can have another Mexican [in Formula 1]. F1 has had great support from my country, so I would like to keep it that way.

“I love having time for myself. Waking up and having nothing to do, those are the best days.

“But then it’s like ‘f— it, tomorrow’s Monday’ and then you wake up to a message from your engineer, then it’s just switching on. But when I’m at home I love doing nothing.”

Liam Lawson now Red Bull’s frontrunner to replace Sergio Perez next year

Red Bull face a dilemma knowing that with Perez still in the team next season, they’re unlikely to challenge for the Constructors’ Championship again unless he miraculously rediscovers his best form.

Unfortunately, the signs of that happening simply haven’t materialised which is why RB chose to replace Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson after the Singapore Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Ricciardo was brought in to be a backup to Perez in case his form disintegrated, but the Australian also failed to prove he had what it takes to step up into a Red Bull seat.

Doubts remain over Tsunoda’s suitability for Red Bull, meaning Lawson is now the likeliest candidate for a promotion.

The young Kiwi has performed admirably thus far and beat Perez in Sao Paulo in treacherous conditions.

If Perez does lose his Red Bull seat, it’s hard to see how he would remain in F1 beyond this year.