In a stunning development that's set to send shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, Red Bull star Sergio Perez has been spotted testing Ferrari's groundbreaking Le Mans hypercar in a move that could have major implications for his racing future.
The Secret Session That's Making Headlines
Perez was photographed behind the wheel of the Ferrari 499P at Ferrari's private Fiorano test track in Italy, though he was officially testing for Cadillac's hypercar programme. The Mexican driver, who currently races for Red Bull in Formula 1, took the opportunity to sample Ferrari's Le Mans-winning machinery during what was supposed to be a routine testing session.
The timing couldn't be more delicate, with Perez's Red Bull contract set to expire at the end of the 2024 season and intense speculation about his future with the championship-winning team.
What This Means for Perez's F1 Career
While the test was conducted under the banner of Cadillac's hypercar programme, the sight of a current Red Bull driver in Ferrari machinery has set tongues wagging throughout the motorsport world. The move raises several crucial questions:
- Is Perez considering his options beyond Formula 1?
- Could this signal a potential move to Ferrari's hypercar programme?
- How will Red Bull management react to their driver testing rival machinery?
- Does this indicate broader career diversification for the experienced driver?
The Cadillac Connection and Hypercar Future
Perez's involvement with General Motors' Cadillac hypercar project adds another layer to this developing story. The American manufacturer is preparing for a full-scale assault on the World Endurance Championship, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This isn't just about one test session - it represents the growing appeal of hypercar racing among current F1 drivers. With the category experiencing a renaissance and attracting major manufacturers, drivers like Perez are increasingly looking at endurance racing as a viable career option beyond their Formula 1 tenure.
Red Bull's Reaction and Contract Implications
The big question now is how Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko will view this development. While drivers testing other categories isn't unprecedented, doing so in a Ferrari-branded car - even under the Cadillac banner - could create tension within the Red Bull camp.
With Perez's future at Red Bull already under scrutiny following a challenging 2023 season, this test adds another fascinating dimension to the ongoing contract negotiations and could potentially influence the team's decision about whether to retain the Mexican driver beyond 2024.
