Could Sergio Perez’s Red Bull career be nearing its end? Amid criticisms of his consistent underperformance, there’s rising speculation about his future at Red Bull. Former F1 driver, Giedo van der Garde, has voiced strong opinions, urging Red Bull to replace Perez with junior driver Liam Lawson, not Daniel Ricciardo.
Giedo van der Garde hasn’t minced words when discussing Sergio Perez’s performance. Describing it as “absolutely sh**,” he called for Red Bull to make a change, despite Perez recently signing a new contract. It appears that a specific clause might allow Red Bull to replace him if he falls short in upcoming races, Hungary and Spa.
Van der Garde suggests the choice for replacement shouldn’t be Daniel Ricciardo, despite his experience. Instead, he advocates for Liam Lawson, who proved his potential last season when filling in for Ricciardo and impressively scored points at the Singapore Grand Prix. Van der Garde believes it’s time for Ricciardo to explore other opportunities as Lawson presents a promising option for Red Bull’s future.
Acknowledging Perez’s struggles, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has recognized the urgency for Perez to improve his performance. Red Bull’s position in the championship could be strengthened if both drivers perform consistently, and therefore, having a reliable second driver is essential.
The pressure on Perez is palpable, especially with the large point gap between him and teammate Max Verstappen. According to rumors, this gap could trigger the contract clause allowing Red Bull to reconsider its driver lineup. Lawson had an opportunity to test at Silverstone with Red Bull, though details of his performance remain undisclosed.
The next few weeks are crucial for Sergio Perez as he aims to secure his seat at Red Bull. With potential replacements like Liam Lawson waiting in the wings, the spotlight is on Perez to prove his worth. As the summer break approaches, the stakes are high, and Red Bull’s decision could significantly impact the team’s future performance.