After another disappointing weekend for Sergio Perez at the Belgian Grand Prix, his future with Red Bull Racing is on shaky ground.
Perez’s recent performances have been lackluster, putting Red Bull in a tight spot in the constructors’ championship battle against McLaren. The gap has shrunk to just 42 points, raising concerns within the team.
The races at Hungary and Belgium were critical for Perez to demonstrate his capabilities. However, a crash during qualifying in Budapest and a slide from second to eighth place in Belgium have only added to the pressure. Team boss Christian Horner expressed his frustration, noting that their expectations were not met.
With Formula 1’s mandatory summer shutdown approaching, Red Bull needs to make a quick decision. Team heads Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are set to meet to discuss whether to keep Perez for the remaining 10 races of 2024 or replace him immediately. Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo and reserve driver Liam Lawson are potential candidates for Perez’s seat.
The decision is complicated by Perez’s recent two-year contract extension, which indicates the team’s prior confidence in him. Horner mentioned that glimpses of Perez’s early-season form still give them hope, but consistency remains an issue. Perez’s struggles have been painful to watch for both the team and fans.
Perez himself has been vocal about his frustration with the constant media scrutiny. He emphasized that he would no longer comment on his future. This tension, combined with Red Bull’s need for strong results, makes the upcoming decision even more significant.
Who will replace Perez if he’s let go? Daniel Ricciardo has had an up-and-down season so far, and Liam Lawson’s lack of experience could be a risk. Each option comes with its own set of challenges, making the decision far from straightforward.
As Red Bull heads into a critical decision-making period, the future of Sergio Perez remains uncertain. Both the team and the driver are under immense pressure to deliver results, making the next few days crucial for their 2024 campaign.
