At the media day in Monaco, much of the F1 news was centred around the ‘Silly Season’ as drivers were quizzed about their futures.
Below we take a look at the day’s big headlines, with additional reporting from on-site in Monte Carlo by Sam Cooper.
F1 News: Sergio Perez confirms talks with Red Bull are underway
The biggest seat available for 2025 is at Red Bull, with Sergio Pérez’s current contract expiring at the end of the year.
He signed his last contract extension over the Monaco weekend for 2022 and, while that will not be the case this time, he said talks have begun with Red Bull about staying with the team.
“My main focus this weekend is not the contract,” he told media, including PlanetF1.com.
“I understand that negotiations are ongoing.
“One day we will know, and you will be the first to know! But most importantly, [thing] Now is not the time to think about two years, one year, or three years.
“This weekend and Saturday, that’s my whole focus.”
read more: Sergio Pérez reveals contract talks are ongoing with Red Bull amid rumours over contract length
Yuki Tsunoda considering Aston Martin as alternative to Red Bull?
With close friend Honda moving to become Aston Martin’s factory power unit partner in 2026, Tsunoda has named Team Silverstone as a potential destination for himself if a promotion to Red Bull does not materialise.
He is aiming to move up to Red Bull’s ‘senior’ team at some point but made it clear he is keeping his options open regarding his future.
“I have a huge loyalty to Red Bull, without them I wouldn’t be here and of course to Honda,” he told media including PlanetF1.com.
“When you think of Honda, you think of Aston Martin, but as you know, Aston has also had two drivers win.
“Well, it’s pretty open, but so far I’m happy with VCARB.”
read more: Yuki Tsunoda names Aston Martin as alternative to Red Bull for F1 future
Carlos Sainz discusses F1 future as Mercedes door potentially closes
Sainz was asked about it in Monaco after PlanetF1.com reported on Wednesday that one avenue for Carlos Sainz at Mercedes F1 in 2025 appears to be closed, at least for the time being.
While he said he “cannot confirm” whether that was the case, he explained that there may be more to his future than meets the eye, and that he intends to take his time to make the right choice for himself.
“Behind the scenes, I know more,” he told media including PlanetF1.com.
“There are rumors and stuff going around, but don’t worry, I won’t leak anything.
“I’m going to put all my chips on the table and make the right decision.”
read more: Carlos Sainz gives important update on Mercedes F1 future as 2025 hopes fade
Valtteri Bottas asked about ‘clear priority’ deal for 2025 F1 season
Speedcafe and Vasabaladet reported earlier this week that Valtteri Bottas was set to sign with Williams next season, which PlanetF1.com understands to be the case, and the Finnish driver was quizzed in the paddock about his next move.
He did not reveal his goals for next year, but acknowledged he has “clear priorities” for where he wants to be in the 2025 campaign.
read more: Valtteri Bottas has ruled out signing with Williams when asked about his “clear priorities” for his next F1 move.
Mario Andretti’s ‘bullet through my heart’ comment revealed
Mario Andretti, who left the paddock after the race, claimed in the US that Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei had told him he would “do everything in his power” to stop his son Michael from getting on the grid with the Andretti Cadillac F1 project.
Speaking to NBC News, Andretti described his conversation with F1’s owner-chairman, saying it felt like “a bullet to the heart” given the efforts being made to return to the grid.
PlanetF1.com contacted F1 for this story but FOM declined to comment.
read more: Mario Andretti says joining F1 team was like “a bullet to the heart”
