Perez Likely to Leave Red Bull F1 Team This Season, Alonso the Top Contender to Replace Him!

Recently, rumors about Perez’s retirement have been swirling. Initially, it was suggested that Red Bull F1 might part ways with Perez at the end of his contract after the next season. However, recent poor performances have fueled a change in these whispers. According to an overseas fan’s memoir from the Qatar GP, Perez is set to announce his departure from Red Bull F1 at the Mexican GP this season. Should this news prove true, Fernando Alonso, as per Dr. Marko, Red Bull’s F1 team consultant, who has called him “the driver closest to Verstappen in recent seasons,” would be the most likely successor.

Let’s delve into the details of the latest retirement rumor:

Background: The fan recounts, “A few days ago, some people were testing cars at a local track. After the day’s activities, this person’s team joined ours for dinner and then back to the hotel. I didn’t know him personally but had heard of him since he’s a well-known figure in the Mexican motorsports scene. I also knew he was one of the high-ranking officials at Escuderia Telmex, involved in international sponsor deals, AKA, Perez, and other racing personalities until 2022.”

According to the fan, this person shared the following information:

Red Bull informed Perez that they won’t retain him for 2024, breaking their existing contract (not unprecedented in F1 or Red Bull’s partnership with drivers like De Vries). The notification came during the Japanese GP week. (This partially explains Perez’s poor performance in Japan and Qatar.) It would be interesting to revisit Sergio’s Thursday interviews from that weekend, but I haven’t done so yet.

Perez’s team (his manager and main sponsor, Escuderia Telmex), immediately started searching and talking to others. However, two significant issues arose. There are no available seats for 2024, except for Williams, whose Stroll’s position might not be as secure as thought before Qatar. But the last four to five months have significantly damaged Perez’s reputation. Other teams mentioned his age (he’s been in F1 since 2011!) as a concern.

The driver, once hailed as the “Fuel Saver” and “Mexican Defense Minister,” crumbled under the pressure of a championship team, and thus, they don’t want him replacing someone else in their cars, despite the sponsorship he could bring to a midfield team. This person is unaware of who will replace Perez in 2024.

Conclusion:

Over the weekend between Japan and Qatar, Perez and his team concluded that it’s time to end his F1 career; he’s been doing it for a long time, and his family is growing. Perez will announce his retirement at the Mexican GP in three weeks.

This source speculates, “Given that Escuderia Telmex knows, the Mexican GP organizers probably do too and might prepare a farewell celebration.” Naturally, there were questions and comments, but the person claims this is all they know, everything shared by an insider from Escuderia Telmex.

Take this as inside information with a grain of salt; official announcements will ultimately confirm the truth.

Considering Perez’s recent underperformance, if he were to announce his exit from the team at the home race, it would align with Red Bull’s typical protocol. If Perez doesn’t secure a spot with Red Bull next season, Alonso, the 42-year-old Aston Martin driver, appears to be the frontrunner. His consistent and excellent performance alongside Verstappen, coupled with his remarkable form for a driver of his age, and Dr. Marko’s frequent praise make him an ideal candidate. According to Marko, Alonso’s ability and performance are unmatched, and he’s the only driver capable of competing with Verstappen.