Sergio Perez has openly admitted for the first time that his Formula 1 future is uncertain, as Red Bull prepares to make a decision on his position within the team.
Amid weeks of intense speculation regarding his potential replacement by Liam Lawson or other candidates, the 34-year-old Mexican has insisted on his contractual right to remain at Red Bull. However, his inconsistent performances this season have reportedly tested the patience of the team's leadership.
"Checo is a great person, but it hasn't gone well this year," team principal Christian Horner told Sky Italia following Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. "We will sit down and talk. The constructors' championship is won with two cars."
The decisive meeting is scheduled for Monday.
"We will discuss the future of both teams," Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko revealed. "And the lineups of both teams will be decided tomorrow."
As for when the announcement will be made, Marko said: "I don't think it will be tomorrow. And of course we will wait for the results of Yuki (Tsunoda's) test. But I think our plan is to make an official announcement at the end of the week."
Strong rumours indicate that Red Bull has presented Perez with two options: step away gracefully into a lucrative ambassadorial role or hold out for a termination fee and leave the brand entirely.
"I think we all know how difficult this year has been, so I think it's just a matter of discussing what's best for everyone going forwards," Perez said after the Abu Dhabi GP. "We'll see what happens."
When asked directly if he expects to race in 2025, he responded: "At the moment, what I said is all I know. I've got a contract to drive next year, so it will be down to reaching an agreement hopefully. See what the team wants to do.
"At the moment I don't know," he added. "Unless something changes in the next few days, the situation is that I have a contract to compete next year. So we'll see what happens and how the conversation develops."
Perez's final race of the season ended early on the second lap due to collision damage.
"I am very happy that the season is over," he admitted. "We will see what happens next, but it was a pleasure working with Max."
Verstappen, who has supported Perez amid the scrutiny, praised their working relationship.
"I've always worked very well with Checo," the quadruple world champion said. "He's a great guy. It's very rare to find a teammate like him, and to be honest, I feel for him. I think people are very hard on him.
"Of course, some weekends could have gone better, but sometimes he is very hard on himself as well because he is not an idiot. He has always been considered a great driver and it was not easy, because sometimes it was so difficult to drive this car."
As for what lies ahead for Perez, Verstappen remarked: "I don't know, but I am very happy to have been able to work with him. I am sure that if he is not here in 2025, we will still see each other outside of Formula 1."
Meanwhile, Red Bull continues to evaluate Liam Lawson, who is widely considered the leading candidate to replace Perez.
"I don't have a seat secured for next year yet," the New Zealander said after the Abu Dhabi GP. "But mentally, I'm strong. I've been living with this sort of pressure for six years. If they like that, I can offer it."
Yuki Tsunoda, set to test Verstappen's car this week, seems resigned to his lower chances.
"On one hand, it would surprise me. On the other hand, it wouldn't," he said when asked if he would be shocked to miss out on a promotion.
"Formula 1 is a lot to do with politics," the Japanese driver admitted.
