How many times have we said that? He must bring in a shitload of a cash that compensates for the lost constructors title. It just doesn't make much sense.
I mean, Perez is basically just there so they can spend Carlos Slim's money on Max's car, isn't he?
That's what's has been rumoured but who knows what the actual deal is...
Maybe he's bringing some extra income outside of the sport or whatever, but it's not like they can spend more on the car with the cost cap.
I've also seen someone speculate that they're letting it happen because of extra wind tunnel time, but I find that to be unlikely.
Going by last years payouts, the drop in the constructor's will have cost them ~$18m. It's likely to be quite a bit more this year since it's a % of revenue, and that's increased. Telmex has reportedly spit in over £100m over 3 years. Spanish press have been saying $30m per year. Spanish press also reports that Perez makes $10m a year. I'm sure there's some serious money made off merch and the increased red bull sales in Mexico etc, but I'm not sure they'd keep him just because of that. It's not like Red Bull have a funding issue.
Personally, I think they gave him the contract extension to make his future predictable and allow him to re-focus on driving, and with Lawson joining RB they want to see him up against Yuki for a future promotion, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are looking at that options for next year, but the dithering left them missing out on the available top drivers. Apparently Sainz have a clause that allows him to leave for cheaper if a top team comes calling. I think Colapinto have crashed his way out of contention, and there's always the option of pushing Yuki/Lawson up, which would allow for Hadjar or someone else to step up.
If Perez goes about things the same way next season, they'll likely drop another place in the constructors (assuming there's not a huge change in performance between the teams), which would mean even more money lost.
