Perez says collision with Bottas in Abu Dhabi ‘sums it up’ as he admits uncertainty around his future

Sergio Perez had a race to forget at the season closer in Abu Dhabi as he was forced to retire early on, leaving him to lament his “very difficult year” that has cast doubt on his future with Red Bull.

The Mexican driver signed a contract extension to stay with the Milton Keynes outfit until 2026 back in June, but an unrelenting period of poor results has thrown his place on the grid into jeopardy.

READ MORE: Norris sails to victory ahead of Sainz and Leclerc in Abu Dhabi as McLaren seal constructors’ championship

While his team mate Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world championship, Perez ended the season 285 points behind him, with no top-five finishes since the Miami Grand Prix back at the beginning of May.

After continuously targeting a change in his fortunes, he started the finale at the Yas Marina Circuit from 10th on the grid, but his race quickly came to an end after he came into contact with the Sauber of Valtteri Bottas.

Perez spun and became stranded on track, bringing out a Virtual Safety Car as he retired from his second race in a row to once again leave Verstappen as Red Bull’s sole points scorer.

“It’s been so difficult the whole year,” the 34-year-old replied when asked about the collision. “That really just sums it up. It was very unfortunate I got hit by Bottas there.

READ MORE: ‘It wasn’t enough’ – Leclerc left dispirited after Ferrari narrowly lose out on constructors’ title in Abu Dhabi

“That was really difficult, what happened there unfortunately. From then on, we can just look forwards. It’s been a very, very difficult year.”

There has been speculation that the team could promote one of their drivers from RB – Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson – for next season, but Horner insisted earlier this week that a decision will only be made following extensive conversations within the team.

Now that the season has concluded, those debates will likely take place sooner rather than later, especially after Red Bull lost out on a shot at the constructors’ title and were forced to settle for third – their lowest position since 2019.

READ MORE: ‘That will be his decision’ – Horner says Perez ‘wise enough to come to his own conclusions’ over Red Bull future

Perez said: “I think we know how difficult this year has been so I think it’s just a matter of discussing what’s best for everyone going forwards. We’ll see what happens.”

Pushed on whether he will definitely have a seat on the grid next year, he added: “At the moment, it’s 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.”