Rumors: Sergio Perez to announce retirement in Mexico City

Well-informed British journalist Joe Savard writes about an interesting rumor that was actively discussed in the paddock of the Marina Bay circuit. According to unconfirmed information, Sergio Perez will announce his retirement from Formula 1 during his home Grand Prix of Mexico City at the end of October.

“One of the interesting rumors discussed in Singapore was that Perez and Red Bull had come up with a plan for Sergio to announce his retirement in Mexico City,” writes Joe Savard. “This would allow Perez to leave the team, which would save face compared to firing him, and it would have a less painful impact on Red Bull’s sales in the Americas.

For Red Bull, this is also an opportunity to find a new driver for 2025. Despite their expensive youth program, they have no one who could partner Max Verstappen. Perhaps Liam Lawson could be that driver if he shines as Franco Colapinto, but Red Bull has already started preparing the way for the future.

Recently Christian Horner spoke about George Russell, whose contract expires at the end of next year. There are also people in the paddock who think Max will move to Mercedes. But I think Max’s asking price for the move will make him a less attractive signing than he thinks.

When it comes to money, Aston Martin has already proven that they will stop at nothing, so it is likely that Max will be their next target, although he will not go anywhere unless he is convinced that he will get a faster car at another team than RedBull.

“If you ask the people at Red Bull, they are as impressed with Oscar Piastri as we all are and see an opportunity to lure him away from Woking. Oscar’s manager, Mark Webber, has a strong relationship with Red Bull and we are all interested in how McLaren can keep both of their current star drivers happy in the coming years.”