Martin Brundle’s critical assessment suggests trouble for Red Bull if they solely relied on Sergio Perez, hinting at potential performance pitfalls.
- Sergio Perez has been struggling lately, missing the podium in five consecutive Grands Prix, with two unfortunate crashes.
- Questions arise over Red Bull’s decision to extend Perez’s contract as his performance lags behind teammate Max Verstappen.
- Verstappen dominates the Drivers’ Championship, while Perez lags significantly behind, affecting Red Bull’s strategy.
- Christian Horner and Damon Hill emphasize the need for Perez to regain his earlier form to aid Red Bull’s points and strategic options.
In a rather candid observation, Martin Brundle expressed skepticism over Red Bull’s chances if they had two drivers performing like Sergio Perez. Currently, Perez faces a challenging streak, having not reached the podium in the past five races, compounded by a couple of crashes. Such performances have stirred debate among pundits, who question Red Bull’s wisdom in renewing his contract for another two years.
Perez’s lack of wins stands in stark contrast to his teammate Max Verstappen, who has already clinched seven victories and leads the Drivers’ Championship standings with 227 points. Perez, on the other hand, finds himself in the fifth position, trailing Verstappen by a massive 115-point gap. Verstappen’s contributions have not only solidified his individual lead but also kept Red Bull 63 points ahead of Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship—a position that might not have been secure without his exceptional performance.
Brundle comments, “If you had two Sergio Perezs on Sergio’s current form, the team would be also-rans.” This remark underscores the heavy reliance on Verstappen’s skills, which include qualifying prowess, race craft, and effective tire management. Verstappen’s comprehensive capabilities are currently vital for Red Bull, notably in maintaining their competitiveness against formidable teams like McLaren and Ferrari.
Damon Hill further expounds on Perez’s situation by labeling his recent underperformance as “disastrous” for Red Bull, particularly if the goal is to maximize points. “It’s difficult to understand,” Hill said, remarking on Perez’s inability to match Verstappen’s pace despite having a top-tier car. Hill emphasizes the importance of having a strong partner to back Verstappen, which Perez currently does not fulfill.
Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, acknowledges the necessity for Perez to elevate his game. Not just to accumulate points, but to offer the team more strategic alternatives—a vital aspect considering Verstappen often fights against McLaren and Ferrari alone. Horner reflects on Perez’s earlier season form, suggesting that rediscovering that mindset could be key to reversing Red Bull’s strategic limitations. “We need Checo in the mix,” Horner asserts, conveying that both the team and Perez are aware of the stakes involved.
Without improvements from Perez, Red Bull’s strategy remains overly dependent on Verstappen’s unmatched performance.
