MEXICO CITY – Sergio Perez’s self-proclaimed “terrible” season took another turn for the worse on Saturday as he qualified 18th for his home race.

Perez failed to progress through Q1, finishing 0.8s off teammate Max Verstappen’s time in the same session.

The result will do little to quieten the noise which has lingered around his future all season.

Although Perez has a contract for 2025, Red Bull is believed to be assessing Liam Lawson at RB as a potential replacement for next season.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has dismissed suggestions Red Bull are looking at alternative options.

“Checo is our driver,” Horner said on Friday. “He’s contracted for 2025. He’s competitive. He’s hungry. He’s not happy with where he currently is. As a team, we’re doing our very best to support him.”