Let's hope this isn't true! Translated by DeepL:
Perez crisis could cost Red Bull 80 million dollars
Sergio Perez is the weak point in the Red Bull team. An expensive one at that...
Ralf Bach | 13 November 2024 , 08:55 am
Sergio Perez is the weak point in the Red Bull team. An expensive one at that...
The decision has been made at Red Bull: Wobbly candidate Sergio Perez (34) has pulled his neck out of the noose once again. The controversial Mexican will remain team-mate to high-flyer Max Verstappen (27) until the end of the season. Only then will a decision be made about Perez's future.
Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko confirms to F1-Insider.com: ‘Nothing will happen until the last race in Abu Dhabi. Perez wants to keep fighting and get back on track for the last three races of the season. After Abu Dhabi, the situation will be analysed again.’
The only thing Marko is not allowed to say for contractual reasons. The Mexican insists on his contract, which runs until the end of 2025. Red Bull has no legal basis to release him. The reason: a performance-related exit clause was removed from the current contract by team boss Christian Horner. It still existed in the previous contract. The Austrians can only buy their way out with money. According to whispers behind the scenes, Perez allegedly wants 20 million dollars.
Red Bull is now in a dilemma. Even though they want to get rid of Perez, the board does not seem to be prepared to spend so much money. The crux of the matter: Perez's performances have ensured that Red Bull is now only third in the constructors' championship. The team won this title last year. The difference in prize money between first and third place is around 40 million dollars. It would therefore cost Red Bull a total of 60 million dollars if they released Perez after the season.
What's more, team boss Horner's favourite replacement for Perez, Franco Colapinto (20), is under contract with Williams as a junior. A loan is out of the question for the fast-paced drinks company. All or nothing is the motto. But Williams wants money for the Argentinian. Another 20 million dollars, it is rumoured. In the event of Colapinto signing, Red Bull would then already be at 80 million.
The most likely scenario is therefore: Colapinto stays with Williams, but Perez is bought out at the end of the season - and replaced by New Zealander Liam Lawson, who is currently attracting attention with the Racing Bulls junior team.
https://f1-insider.com/formel-1-perez-k ... ten-64949/