The ‘serious’ amount of money it would cost to break Sergio Perez’s Red Bull contract

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Sergio Perez is floundering at Red Bull after being significantly off the pace compared to his teammate Max Verstappen.

The Mexican driver has been struggling over the season and hasn’t scored a podium finish since the Chinese Grand Prix in April.

Perez started the season well, finishing second in the opening two rounds behind Verstappen, who dominated the races.

McLaren and Ferrari in particular have improved this season which has created much more competition at the front of the field.

They have both usurped Red Bull as the Austrian team have been out developed by their rivals, sitting third in the Constructors’ Championship.

Perez may be on the verge of his losing his seat despite having a contract for next year, as Liam Lawson continues to impress.

Joris Mosterdijk and Aaron Deckers explained on RacingNews365 that Red Bull will have to pay a significant amount of money to break Perez’s contract

Red Bull may need to pay around €10 million to get rid of Sergio Perez

Perez has had a successful career that began with Sauber in 2011, building a reputation for saving tyres and scoring podiums in midfield cars.

The Mexican hasn’t been able to match Verstappen since they became teammates in 2021, failing to win a race so far this season.

His lack of form has partially led to Red Bull losing the lead in the Constructors’ Championship as McLaren and Ferrari have two competitive drivers.

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Deckers explained that Red Bull will have to pay around €10 million (£8.3m) to release Perez from his contract at the end of the season.

He said: “In the past, some things have happened, but it remains under the carpet. They don’t tell me what amounts have been paid exactly, but with Perez, a figure with two numbers in the millions, it’s about serious money.” Mosterdijk added that the amount may be “€10 million plus.”

Deckers continued: “Then we are going up from that amount, but it’s clear that the story is that they have to pay at the end of the year, so it’s going to cost a lot more to get rid of Perez.”

ESPN are also reporting a similar number for Red Bull to pay if they want to part ways with Perez at $14 million (£10.8m).

Liam Lawson is Sergio Perez’s most likely replacement at Red Bull

Lawson is driving well at RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda and is the most likely candidate to partner Verstappen if there is a switch.

The New Zealander has been very decisive in the midfield, and Lawson has been battling Perez and Fernando Alonso, often to their frustration.

His good pace and experience in the midfield could push him towards becoming a Red Bull driver although it would be a risk partnering Verstappen.