In an unexpected twist that has shaken the foundations of the Formula 1 paddock, Max Verstappen has reportedly issued an explosive warning: he could leave Red Bull if the team decides not to renew the contract with his teammate, Sergio “Checo” Pérez . This is according to sources close to the Dutch driver, amid a tense and uncertain season for the Milton Keynes team.
Since Checo Pérez joined Red Bull in 2021, his relationship with Max Verstappen has been much more than just teammates. While infighting has been commonplace at other teams, Verstappen and Pérez have managed to build a dynamic based on respect, collaboration, and chemistry that has been a key contributor to Red Bull’s dominance in recent championships.
Verstappen has highlighted in multiple interviews the importance of having a reliable teammate:
“Checo has been instrumental in our titles. He’s not only fast, he also knows how to play as a team. That’s worth gold,” the three-time world champion said recently.
However, Checo Pérez’s contract expires at the end of this season, and talks about his renewal appear to be at a standstill. Although the Mexican has once again proven himself competitive—even achieving several podium finishes in the first half of the year—rumors about possible replacements have not ceased.
Within the team, some senior officials have reportedly expressed interest in younger drivers like Liam Lawson or even Daniel Ricciardo’s return to a regular seat. This hasn’t gone down well with Verstappen, who is reportedly willing to put his future on the line to defend his current teammate’s continued presence.
According to specialized media, Verstappen reportedly expressed his discontent in a private meeting with Red Bull executives, warning that he could explore other options if the stability he has valued so much within the team is not respected .
“I don’t want to be in an environment where politics is prioritized over loyalty. If Checo doesn’t stay, I’ll have to reevaluate my future,” the Dutchman reportedly said, according to an accredited journalist from the paddock who requested anonymity.
Although many have pointed out that Verstappen could win even without Checo’s help, the strategic reality in Formula 1 is much more complex. The Mexican has been key in containing rivals like Hamilton, Leclerc, and Alonso in critical moments, allowing Red Bull to maximize its results as a team.
Furthermore, Checo is a beloved figure among fans, especially in Latin America, a market of great interest to Red Bull in terms of both audience and sponsorship.
The possibility of Verstappen joining another team sounds like science fiction, but in F1, everything can change in just a couple of races. Mercedes and Ferrari have made no secret of their desire to have the most dominant driver of the last decade, and if Red Bull loses internal control, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to imagine an abrupt exit.
What seemed like a quiet season for Red Bull has turned into a minefield. Verstappen’s threat is not just an expression of support for his teammate, but a strong message to the board: success is not built on speed alone, but on cohesion and loyalty .
Meanwhile, the Formula 1 world is holding its breath. Will Red Bull cave in to the pressure from its star? Or will it be willing to risk everything for a future bet? The only thing that’s clear is that if Checo doesn’t renew his contract, the Austrian team could be about to lose much more than a Mexican driver.
