Red Bull's leadership remains tight-lipped as speculation about Sergio Perez's future intensifies.
Most prominent Formula 1 analysts and journalists now agree that the team plans to replace the 34-year-old Mexican with Liam Lawson for the 2025 season.
The obstacle lies in the new contract Red Bull agreed with Perez earlier this year.
Team principal Christian Horner explained the reasoning behind the deal: "I offered the deal to Perez to settle his mind and extend his run of form for the rest of the season.
"Obviously it didn't work," he admitted. "That's just life sometimes."
Reportedly, discussions between Perez and Red Bull now revolve around the handling of his 2025 agreement. Veteran F1 journalist Roger Benoit, writing for Blick, speculates: "Has Perez been persuaded to resign?
"The Mexican would probably stay with the team as a well-paid ambassador."
If not, Red Bull may face paying a substantial termination fee to sever ties entirely.
Speaking on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko refused to elaborate. "The key people will meet on Monday," he told Sky Deutschland.
"I can't say when the press will be informed. I don't want to anticipate all these discussions."
Even the considerable sponsorship revenue Perez brings from Mexico reportedly now fails to offset the consequences of his underperformance, which has impacted Red Bull's position in the constructors' championship.
Perez, who qualified P10 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was candid about his ongoing struggles: "Not really," he said when asked if he was satisfied with his performance. "But it's a bit of a summary of the whole season."
Asked whether he fears Sunday could mark his final race for Red Bull or even in Formula 1, Perez reiterated: "As I keep saying, no.
"I have nothing new to add to what I said before."
