F1 Weekend Wrap-Up: Perez's Red Bull Exit, Horner's NYC Visit, and More

As the final free weekend of the F1 2025 season concludes, several key stories dominated the headlines, including Sergio Perez's candid admission about his Red Bull departure and Christian Horner's intriguing visit to New York, sparking rumors of a potential F1 return.

Why it matters:

The F1 off-season, though brief, is a crucial period for team and driver movements, strategic planning, and rule adjustments. These developments—from driver reflections to team boss speculation and grid changes—directly influence the competitive landscape and narratives heading into the next season, shaping the sport's future.

The Details:

• Sergio Perez's "Demotivation": Perez, who is set to make a comeback with Cadillac F1 after his Red Bull tenure, revealed that a "bit of demotivation" set in during the final, challenging stages of his career with the team. His form suffered a significant downturn, leading to an early departure.
• Christian Horner's New York Trip: Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner's visit to New York has fueled speculation about his return to Formula 1. With substantial financial backing reportedly secured, Horner is rumored to be exploring options to acquire equity in an F1 team, suggesting a significant comeback in a leadership role.
• Red Bull's Driver Line-up for 2026: While Max Verstappen's position at the senior Red Bull team is secure, the remaining seats at both Red Bull and its junior team, Racing Bulls, are still undecided. Arvid Lindblad and Isack Hadjar are strong contenders for Racing Bulls, with Hadjar also linked to a potential step up to the main Red Bull squad.
  • Juan Pablo Montoya suggests that "Red Bull politics" and "Red Bull Austria" might play a role in saving Yuki Tsunoda's seat over Liam Lawson, indicating internal power dynamics could influence driver selections.
• Max Verstappen's Nordschleife Influence: Max Verstappen's successful debut in a CUP3 race at the Nordschleife has led to a significant rule change. The Deutscher Motorsport-Bund (DMSB) and the Digital Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (DNLS) will now officially recognize sim racing credentials in international motorsport, a direct result of Verstappen's performance.
• Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari: Despite a challenging inaugural season at Ferrari, with three rounds remaining and a 66-point deficit to Charles Leclerc, Juan Pablo Montoya believes Lewis Hamilton can become "unstoppable" if he has the right "tools" and full team support from Ferrari. This implies that the team's ability to fully back Hamilton is key to unlocking his championship-winning potential.

The Big Picture:

These varied developments highlight a period of significant transition and strategic maneuvering in Formula 1. From veteran drivers reflecting on their past to influential figures plotting future moves, and even the sport's governing bodies adapting rules based on new precedents, the F1 landscape is continually evolving. The decisions made now will set the stage for the intense competition and narratives of the 2026 season and beyond.

What's Next:

As the F1 season nears its conclusion, expect further announcements regarding driver line-ups, team structures, and strategic partnerships. The next few months will be critical for teams to finalize their preparations for the 2026 regulations, particularly concerning power units and aerodynamic concepts. All eyes will be on Christian Horner's next move and how Ferrari leverages its resources to empower Hamilton, potentially reshaping the championship dynamics.