Despite recent retirement rumors, Sergio Perez intends to continue his F1 career for “at least 3-4 years more”

Following Sergio Perez's disastrous outings in Japan and Qatar, the Red Bull driver was rumored to announce his retirement at his home race in Mexico. However, these reports were refuted by various sources close to the Mexican driver.

Given Perez's catastrophic mid-season slump, retirement did seem like a legitimate option for the Red Bull driver. Despite the rumors concerning his future in the sport, the 33-year-old driver reckons he has at least three to four years of racing left in him.

“Well, right now I have a contract for next year. And it will be important to have a good year. I have the motivation to continue, and I want to stay for more years,” he was quoted by Lastwordonsports.com.

“Because I believe that I still have a lot to give in Formula 1. I would like to stay in F1 for at least 3-4 more years,” he added.

Sergio Perez's current contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2024, but there is no guarantee he will complete his time with the team.

Given his recent record and the team's history of dealing with under-performing drivers, Perez could be booted out of the Milton Keynes outfit next season.

Red Bull's head honcho, Helmut Marko, has been vocal about the Mexican driver's inability to bridge the gap with Verstappen. Team principal Christian Horner, who had hoped Perez would improve his results, also senses the urgency for Perez to find his rhythm with the RB19.

With Max Verstappen more than 200 points clear of his teammate in second, Red Bull asks Perez to do the bare minimum and retain his second place in the standings.

With five rounds left in the season, the Mexican driver will have to put on consistent performances in the American swing of races.

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Helmut Marko admits no team orders in play to help Sergio Perez secure second in the standings

F1 Grand Prix of Japan

Max Verstappen recently claimed his third F1 title at the Qatar GP, leaving Sergio Perez to complete his job of securing a 1-2 finish in the driver standings, which the Austrian team has never accomplished.

Following his sloppy performances in recent races, Perez finds himself just 30 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton. With five races and two sprints left in the season, the Mercedes ace could charge to second in the standings.

Red Bull Motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has made it clear that Verstappen wouldn't help his teammate in the fight for second in the standings.

"We are not going to give team orders - we've seen how that turned out with Max before," Marko told ORF.

Last year, Verstappen secured his title with Sergio Perez in the fight for second with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

In the penultimate race in Brazil, the Dutchman denied team orders to let Perez through for sixth place, which ultimately cost the team a 1-2 finish.

Given the consequences of last year's Brazil GP and subsequent media outcry, Red Bull has chosen to avoid any team orders this season.