Esteban Ocon makes Sergio Perez prediction after confirmed Red ...

After months of rumors and concerns about his future, Sergio Perez has decided to step back from Red Bull Racing before the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, clearing the way for Liam Lawson to inherit his spot.

But is this the last we’ll see of Perez in the world of F1? Esteban Ocon certainly doesn’t seem to think so.

A challenging 2024 Formula 1 season has come to an end with a definitive answer about questions concerning Sergio Perez’s future: He’s stepping back from active competition with Red Bull Racing, to be replaced in 2025 by Liam Lawson.

But is he gone for good? One driver doesn’t seem to think so.

Former Alpine driver Esteban Ocon, who will be heading off to Haas in 2025, responded to Perez’s X post sharing his statement with a big thank you — and a promise for the future.

I learned a lot from you and it was great to race alongside you all these years,” Ocon wrote.

“Wishing you all the best. I am sure we will see you again soon…”

Is Perez set for a triumphant Formula 1 return? It could be possible. In a conversation with Sky Sports F1, Red Bull boss Christian Horner reiterated twice that Perez isn’t gone for good — rather, he’s on a “sabbatical.”

“He reflected after the season, and we sat down and discussed it last week about what are the next steps, and he’s decided that he’s going to take a bit of time out, take a sabbatical from Formula 1, essentially,” Horner said.

It’s unlikely, though, that a return would come with Red Bull.

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Ocon wasn’t the only driver to offer Perez well wishes on his way out the door.

Max Verstappen, Perez’s teammate since 2021, wrote on the social media platform X, “It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you. We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember. Thank you, Checo!”

IndyCar racer and McLaren reserve driver Pato O’Ward offered a message in Spanish that, translated, read, Idol! I hope your heart is full of pride for everything you have achieved. Big hug Paisa” followed by a Mexican flag emoji, a heart emoji, and a tag for Perez.

Perez’s own departure message read, “I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team.

“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.

“A big thank you to every person in the team from the management, engineers and mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes, I wish you all the best for the future.

“It has also been an honour to race alongside Max as a team mate all these years and to share in our success. A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon. And remember… never give up.”

Read next: Revealed: The race that set Sergio Perez on path to Red Bull exit