Christian Horner addressed a challenging question regarding Sergio Perez’s contract amid rumors of a Daniel Ricciardo swap.
- Perez has experienced a steep decline in performance, finishing no higher than seventh place in recent races.
- Despite his form concerns, Perez signed a new multi-year contract with Red Bull ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
- Speculation about a potential Ricciardo-Perez swap continues, fueled by Ricciardo’s improving form.
- Red Bull’s lead in the Constructors’ Championship remains strong, but internal pressures are mounting.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner found himself in the hot seat when asked about Sergio Perez’s future with the team, as rumors of a potential swap with Daniel Ricciardo circulated. Horner described the question posed by Martin Brundle of Sky F1 as “brutally hard,” given the recent struggles Perez has faced on the track.
Perez has been in a slump, failing to finish higher than seventh place and suffering two DNFs over the past five races. Despite these setbacks, Red Bull opted to secure Perez’s future with a new contract just before the Canadian Grand Prix, indicating their long-term commitment to him. However, this decision has been questioned by some, especially as Perez sits fifth in the Drivers’ standings, with Oscar Piastri and George Russell closing in from behind.
Reports from German publication Auto Motor und Sport suggested that discussions of a Perez-Ricciardo swap have resurfaced. The source from PlanetF1.com notes that performance clauses exist in the drivers’ contracts, allowing for potential changes if deemed necessary. Ricciardo, who joined junior team VCARB, has shown signs of resurgence, which may have caught Horner’s attention.
In response to inquiries about Perez’s latest performances, Horner expressed hope that Perez would regain his early-season form. “We want to see the Sergio from the first five races back,” he stated, emphasizing Perez’s resilience and his efforts to improve through simulation practice. Horner acknowledged the high expectations placed on Perez, especially with Max Verstappen as his teammate, and the necessity for Perez to perform alongside the top competitors from McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
Despite the challenges, Red Bull continues to lead the Constructors’ Championship by 64 points over Ferrari. Horner recognized the importance of Perez performing at his best, given the competitive nature of the championship and the need for Red Bull to maintain its advantage at the top.
The pressure is on Sergio Perez to find his footing again, with Christian Horner and Red Bull counting on his return to form.
