Sergio Perez confident in his Formula 1 future with Red Bull

Despite a challenging season and conjecture about his retirement, Perez has affirmed that his current Red Bull contract is far from being his final deal in Formula 1.

At the Qatar Grand Prix, Perez faced another tough weekend, crashing out of the Sprint and ultimately finishing in 10th place during the race. Speculation emerged that the Mexican driver might announce his retirement during his home race in Mexico, with allegations of an ultimatum from Red Bull, demanding a second-place finish in the Drivers' Championship or risking his seat for 2024.

Contrary to these rumours, Red Bull's top brass, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, maintain that Perez holds a secure contract with the team for 2024. 

Perez addressed the speculation ahead of the United States Grand Prix, referring to it as baseless, saying, "I'm just laughing at it. There's nothing I can do [to stop the spread of the rumours]. I'm fully focused on my job, but it really sums up my season - a guy says something about me and then all of a sudden it becomes true."

The 33-year-old Perez's current contract with Red Bull extends until the end of the next season, but he is confident that it will not mark the end of his Formula 1 journey. He affirmed, "I have a contract for next year. I have no reason not to fulfil that contract. I'm going to give my very best to it. I've made a commitment. But more than that, it will not be my final contract in F1. 

"I'm with Red Bull, and I want to stay with Red Bull, and obviously, it has to work out for both sides. I'm just enjoying it at the moment. I love the challenge of getting back out of it [his struggles], and at 33, I think I have some good years ahead of me. As an athlete, you want to maximize your career. That to me is important, and that's my focus." When asked if he was sure he would still be with Red Bull next year, Perez replied, "100%."

As the Formula 1 calendar progresses, anticipation mounts for the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, set to unfold at the 5.5-kilometre Circuit of the Americas. 

This race is a testament to the burgeoning popularity of Formula 1 in the United States, and it isn't the only American event on the calendar. The Miami Grand Prix made its return in May this year, and motorsport enthusiasts can look forward to a new event in Las Vegas, scheduled for November 16-18, promising an exhilarating experience for Formula 1 fans across the country.

 

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