Red Bull Racing has proven to be the top team in Formula One over the last four years, and since Max Verstappen has already clinched the 2023 World Championship, some F1 pundits are speculating about the Red Bull Racing future lineup with rumors circulating that Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, may retire at the end of this season.
Perez has had a good season with two victories. However, he has struggled in the past few months, while Verstappen has continued to dominate. With F1 heading to Perez's native Mexico next week, some have speculated that he could soon announce his retirement.
However, Perez laughed that off this week, according to Racer.com's Chris Medland, pointing out that he has a contract with Red Bull for next season.
"There's nothing I can do. I'm fully focused on my job," Perez said. "That really sums up my season: a guy says something about me and all of a sudden it becomes true. But I have a contract for next year and I have no reason to not fulfill that contract. I'm going to give my very best to it, I've done a commitment, but it will not be my final contract in Formula 1. It's not ideal when you go through a difficult period of your career. But I just love the challenge of getting back at it. The easiest thing would be to just walk out of it. But that's not me, that's not who I am, and I will not give up."
When asked if his recent struggles have forced him to lose confidence in staying with Red Bull for 2024, Perez adamantly answered that he wants to stay with Red Bull and is grateful he gets to race for them.
"I'm with Red Bull and I want to stay with Red Bull," Perez said.
While Nico Rosberg famously retired after winning the 2016 F1 championship, Perez clearly has no intention of voluntarily stepping out of F1's best car. Afterall, earning second in the championship and having the potential to win races every week are very attractive enticements to remain in the sport.
