The tension in the Paddock of Formula 1 has overflowed after a news that nobody expected:Sergio “Checo” Pérez has rejected his return to Red Bull for the 2026 season, unleashing an earthquake within the Austrian team. The consequences have not been expected.Helmut Marko and Christian Horner reacted hardLiam Lawson was out of the game, andMercedes does not waste time: it points directly to Max Verstappen.

What seemed to be a quiet season for the leading team of recent years, has now become a maze of strategies, betrayals and critical decisions that could reconfigure the F1 panorama as we know it.

Czech’s refusal: a risky but calculated play

According to sources close to the Mexican pilot,Checo Pérez has decided to reject the extension proposal offered by Red Bull, arguing lack of internal support, constant tensions with Helmut Marko and the media pressure he has faced since his arrival at the team in 2021.

This decision, which has even surprised its closest environment,reflects a new Czech: more mature, firmer and with a clear vision of its future in F1. In the words of a relative to the pilot: “Czech is tired of being the shadow. He wants to lead, not to survive.”

Marko explodes: “He who does not want to be, leaves”

The Helmut Marko reaction was swift. In statements filtered to German media, the main advisor of Red Bull launched a direct dart to the Mexican pilot:

“Czech has been inconsistent. We gave him the best car in the world, but he has not known how to live. If he doesn’t want to be here, he is not.”

Marko’s tone has been interpreted as a statement of internal war. And, beyond Pérez’s rejection,The situation has evidenced a deep crack in the team, especially in the management of their pilots.

Horner takes sides and sacrifices Lawson

Christian Horner, who has tried to maintain a more conciliatory position,It ended up surprising when announcing Liam Lawson’s departure from the pilot programof Red Bull. The decision has generated criticisms of fans and experts, considering the talent and potential shown by the young Neozyre.

Some analysts point out thatHorner has yielded to Marko’s pressureto maintain the hierarchy and discipline within the team, although at the expense of young talent.

Verstappen, getting closer to Mercedes

In the middle of chaos,Mercedes observes carefully – and with clear intentions. According to reports from Germany,Toto Wolff has intensified contact with the Max Verstappen environment, tempting it with a “custom -made equipment” project for 2026, a key year for the regulatory change.

Although the current tricampeón has kept silent,His discomfort with internal disputes and loyalty divided into Red Bull is evident. Even, some Insiders point out that the Dutch pilot would have asked for contractual guarantees about the choice of his teammate, something that Horner would not be willing to yield.

End of the Red Bull era?

The possible exit of Czech Pérez, Lawson’s marginalization and rumors about VerstappenThey mark the beginning of a new stage of uncertainty for Red Bull. The team that dominated the last seasons with a firm hand, is now weakened by decisions that could have irreversible consequences.

Besides,The equipment environment begins to show signs of fracture, with key engineers and members considering offers of rivals such as Aston Martin and Ferrari.

And now what?

With the pilot market hotter than ever, the following weeks will be decisive. Red Bull must define whether it is committed to a deep restructuring or if he tries to sustain an image of unity that, at this point, seems like a fiction.

For its part,Czech Pérez becomes the great wild card, with options in Audi, Aston Martin and, surprisingly, a possible return to McLaren.

The only clear thing is thatFormula 1 is about to enter a new era, and it all started with a “no.”