Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez has decisively refuted recent rumors regarding his retirement, delivering a bold statement via social media.
As speculation circulated once again that Perez would announce his exit at his home race in late October, he quelled the chatter by sharing a clip from the film ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ with the message: “I’m not leaving.”
Throughout the 2024 F1 season, the Mexican driver’s position has been a hot topic of debate. With his performance seeing a notable decline post-re-signing with Red Bull for the 2025 season, questions arose about his staying power within the team.
This was exacerbated by the impressive performance of McLaren, posing a threat to Red Bull’s aspirations in the World Constructors’ Championship.
Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing during the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22, 2024 in Singapore, Singapore. Sergio Perez responds to retirement rumors.
Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images
Prior to the Canadian Grand Prix in June, Perez re-signed with Red Bull, with an option to continue into 2026. However, following this re-signing, his form dipped significantly, raising doubts about his role in the team. The summer break brought speculations of a possible replacement, potentially by Daniel Ricciardo.
The rumors of his upcoming retirement announcement resurfaced after a report from F1 journalist Joe Saward stated:
“One interesting rumour in Singapore was that Perez and Red Bull have worked out a plan that will see him announce his retirement in Mexico, giving him a more gentle exit than being fired and will be less painful for Red Bull sales in the Americas.
“This would give Red Bull the chance to shop around for a new driver in 2025. Despite its expensive young driver programmes, Red Bull does not have someone ready to step up alongside Max Verstappen. Perhaps it will if Lawson really shines (a la Colapinto) but there is already all that Red Bull is out there shopping for the future.
“Christian Horner was talking the other day about George Russell, as he does not have a contract after the end of next year. There are still some who think that Verstappen might take off to Mercedes, but I think the price he will want to be paid for his services and the baggage he brings with him may make him less attractive than he might think.
“If it is down to money, Aston Martin has shown that it will pay whatever it takes to get anyone and so Max must be considered the next likely target, although he is going nowhere unless he can be convinced that the packages available in 2026 will be better than Red Bull.
“And we just don’t know. If you ask around at Red Bull, they seem to be very impressed with Oscar Piastri (as we all are) and they see chinks in the Woking armour, because Oscar’s manager Mark Webber is close to Red Bull and no doubt is intrigued by the question of how McLaren can keep two stars happy in the years ahead. That is a fair question.”
