From Ralf Bach
Verstappens believed Perez was out. Red Bull did an unexpected 180 on Monday. Liberty media contacted them out of fear that the Mexican GP would lose sales if Perez was cut. COTA would have also lost attendance.
This was the unanimous message after the Mexican's messed up race in Spa, which was considered Perez's last chance to prove himself. Verstappen and Co. were all the more surprising when they learned of the 180-degree turnaround by Red Bull decision-makers on Monday evening.
He did not want to comment on the background in more detail. What leaked behind the scenes: Formula 1 rights holder Liberty Media asked Red Bull to reconsider Perez's dismissal. Without folk hero Perez, they feared an extreme drop in revenue at the Mexico GP on October 27. However, Marko indicates: "For 2025, the cards will be reshuffled again."
So I think that Perez will be out at the end of 2024. There are simply bigger financial considerations at play preventing a mid-season change.
Max thinking Perez was out after Spa would explain why he didn't say anything during the race or after the race about Perez holding him up. I think it was a courtesy given the situation.
A lion must kill its prey.