Sergio Pérez believes he could have readability on his F1 future “in a month”, however staff principal Christian Horner says Purple Bull is “in no massive rush” to finalize its 2025 driver line-up.
Perez is one among 12 drivers with no contract for subsequent yr, however has loved a powerful begin to the season with three second locations from 4 races, along with his final podium coming in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.
The Mexican entered the season beneath strain to maintain his place after a largely disappointing second half of 2023, the place he was usually a good distance from Purple Bull team-mate Max Verstappen.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso are among the many drivers out of contract on the finish of this yr and each have been linked with Purple Bull.
Nevertheless, Perez seems to be doing every thing he can to maintain his place alongside Verstappen, whose present contract expires in 2028.
“I'm very relaxed about it. It's my 14th season in F1. No matter comes, I'm actually pleased with what I've executed within the sport to date and I imagine it will likely be a matter of time,” stated Perez. Sky Sports activities F1.
“The driving force market is transferring and there's positively going to be a number of motion within the subsequent few weeks. I anticipate in a month I'll actually know what I'm doing subsequent yr.”
Horner: A couple of extra races earlier than we take into consideration 2025
Perez certified simply 0.066s behind pole-sitter Verstappen earlier than making a pleasant run within the race on a two-stop technique the place he wanted to overhaul a number of automobiles.
His two strikes on the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in a fast left hand flick on the 130R have been highlights on his solution to second place.
Daniel Ricciardo's disappointing begin to the season at Purple Bull's sister staff RB has definitely helped Perez's probabilities of preserving his place and Horner says his driver must “sustain with what he's doing”.
“The entire driver market appears to be very early this yr,” Horner stated.
“Everybody appears to be in a rush and we've solely bought 4 races to go earlier than the tip of the yr. We're not in an enormous rush and there's clearly a number of curiosity in our automobiles as you'd anticipate.”
“Checo is the precedence and it will likely be a couple of extra races earlier than we begin enthusiastic about subsequent yr.
Perez has not received a race for the reason that Azerbaijan Grand Prix 12 months in the past, Verstappen has received 20 races in that point.
Purple Bull's three first-place finishes from the opening 4 occasions gave it a 21-point lead over Ferrari within the Constructors' Cup.
If Ferrari can strategy or match Purple Bull later within the season, Perez's performances will likely be key for the staff to safe a 3rd consecutive constructors' title.
Horner stated on the Australian Grand Prix in March that “typically you must look exterior the pool” when discussing who will likely be Verstappen's team-mate in 2025, however at Suzuka he confirmed clear help for Perez, who’s “highly regarded” within the staff based on the boss of Purple Bull.
“It's his place to lose. He's doing a fantastic job and certified inside a tenth of a second of Max. It was by far his greatest qualifying efficiency at Suzuka,” added Horner. Sky Sports activities F1.
“You possibly can see his confidence is rising. His efficiency within the race was very robust once more. He's doing precisely what he's been requested to do.”
Horner reveals the misplaced wager to Perez – who owed Ecclestone
Pérez had his greatest qualifying efficiency in virtually a yr when he began second on Sunday, giving Purple Bull their first front-row exit for the reason that 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Horner revealed he wager Perez to get on the entrance row, which the Mexican received by qualifying second.
“I wager him as a result of his greatest qualifying efficiency right here was P4, so I wager him to place it on the entrance row,” he stated.
“One way or the other after he received the wager he informed me he owed Bernie Ecclestone precisely the identical amount of cash so he handed the wager on to Bernie who was Chec's first line beneficiary. So pricey outdated Bernie remains to be earning profits though he's not even right here!”
Subsequent up is the return of the Chinese language Grand Prix on April 19-21, which can be the primary dash weekend of the season. You possibly can watch each session stay on Sky Sports activities F1 and steam each F1 race and extra with NOW Sports activities Month membership – No contract, cancel anytime
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