Perez’s time at Red Bull included several grand prix wins and podium finishes, but inconsistency ultimately cost him his seat.

Antonio Perez Garibay, the father of former F1 driver Sergio Perez, has suggested that Red Bull’s two cars are not identical. Perez was dropped by Red Bull at the end of 2024 following a poor season. The Mexican finished a lowly eighth in the F1 drivers’ championship.

But there are a whole host of teams working tirelessly to close the gap. Mercedes star George Russell finished on the podium in both races, while Red Bull 's four-time world champion Max Verstappen can never be discounted, and Lewis Hamilton already has a sprint win under his belt at Ferrari.

Sergio Perez is a man without a drive after being axed by Red Bull but there have been discussions with other teams over a return to the grid with no decision yet made

When Liam Lawson arrives in Suzuka next week, he will no longer be stepping into the Red Bull Racing garage. After being sidelined in favour of Yuki Tsunoda, the New Zealander now faces the challenge of proving himself at sister team Racing Bulls.

Mario Andretti has commented on the possibility of Sergio Pérez returning to the F1 grid in 2026 with Cadillac.

Liam Lawson has been axed by Red Bull Racing after just two races in 2025, with Yuki Tsunoda promoted to partner Max Verstappen from the Japanese Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has conceded he is "not surprised" by Red Bull's "harsh" decision to drop Liam Lawson after only two Formula 1 races with the team. Lawson was chosen as Sergio Perez's replacement alongside Max Verstappen after the Mexican's continued struggles showed no sign of improving.