Ted Kravitz shares whether he thinks Red Bull will drop Sergio Perez before the end of this season

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Red Bull Racing drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez had very contrasting weekends at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen highlighted why he’s considered one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1 by piloting his Red Bull to a wonderful victory having started the race in 17th.

The Dutchman now only needs a single victory to secure his fourth world championship despite going on a 10-race run without a win.

In stark contrast, Sergio Perez once again struggled on a weekend where conditions were treacherous and only added a single point to Red Bull’s tally across both races.

Perez qualified 13th for both races and while he battled back to finish 8th in the Sprint Race, he was prevented from finishing in the top 10 during Sunday’s Grand Prix by Lewis Hamilton.

Liam Lawson wasn’t happy with Perez’s driving in the Sprint Race after he beat the Kiwi by just two seconds.

Perez has faced suggestions that Lawson could replace him at Red Bull before the end of this season.

He’s in a precarious position despite having a contract that could technically run until the end of 2026 but speaking on Ted’s Notebook, reporter Ted Kravitz shared his feelings on Perez’s immediate future.

Ted Kravitz admits he would be ‘surprised’ if Red Bull dropped Sergio Perez

Talking about the Mexican’s performance at Interlagos, Kravitz said: “Sergio Perez, P11 today. He spun and continued on lap two, he was stuck in P17.

“He gambled for a full wet, which was the right choice for about three laps, or two-and-a-half laps and it helped him stay in the race, but long-term it was the wrong tyre to be on.

“He changed that back in the red flag stoppage but then dropped to P14, tried to close on Lewis Hamilton eventually but couldn’t and finished seven-tenths behind him, so Hamilton was 10th and Sergio Perez 11th.

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

“When they stop partying at Red Bull, the Sergio Perez questions will continue as to what they do for the rest of the season.

“I’d be surprised if they boot out Perez before the end of the season now that it looks like they’re not going to have a wobble in the Drivers’ Championship and Max is going to wrap that up, could even wrap it up at the next race in Las Vegas.

“So, I’d be surprised if they make that Sergio Perez decision when they don’t really need to.

“They don’t really care where they’re going to finish in the Constructors’ [Championship].

“I just think that Sergio will at least see out the season.”

Christian Horner and Helmut Marko disagree over Sergio Perez’s future

Perez needs to keep Christian Horner and Helmut Marko on his side if he’s going to remain a Red Bull driver in 2025.

Horner and Marko reportedly disagree over Perez’s future going forward with Marko’s preference for Red Bull and RB to run younger drivers that have come through their junior program.

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

Marko is said to be less enthusiastic about signing Franco Colapinto for his reason and his struggles in Sao Paulo might highlight why he’s got his doubts over his suitability to drive for Red Bull, or potentially even RB, next season.

Perez could be saved by the lack of alternatives available to Red Bull should they want to move him on either in the three-week break before the Las Vegas Grand Prix or during the winter.

Red Bull have question marks over Isack Hadjar and may feel he’s not ready for an RB seat if Lawson or Tsunoda are given their chance alongside Verstappen.