Sergio Perez, driving one of the fastest cars in F1, finds himself outpaced by rivals in less competitive machinery. What does this mean for his future with Red Bull?
In the first six races of the 2024 F1 season, Sergio Perez seemed to have a promising start. Scoring 103 points and securing second place in the Drivers’ Championship, expectations were high as the European season loomed. However, as the season progressed, Perez’s performance began to falter. The Mexican driver, despite his recent two-year contract extension with Red Bull, has seen his form take a dramatic downturn, leading to mounting pressure from within the team.
The statistics tell a worrying story for Perez. Over the last six races, his results paled in comparison to his initial performances, resulting in a mere 15 points. This stark contrast is highlighted by the fact that Max Verstappen, his teammate, collected 119 points in the same period. Moreover, drivers like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton have outperformed Perez significantly, with the McLaren and Mercedes racers scoring 88 and 83 points, respectively. Even Oscar Piastri matched Hamilton’s tally, showing the depth of competition that Perez is up against.
Christian Horner, the Red Bull team boss, expressed concern over Perez’s recent results, branding them as “unsustainable.” The warning signals are clear, with Red Bull’s advisor, Helmut Marko, alluding to potential changes if improvements aren’t seen soon. Nico Hulkenberg, usually not considered a direct rival, has surpassed Perez’s points in his Haas, and even Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll is just a single point behind. This scenario doesn’t bode well for Perez, especially considering Red Bull’s interest in Daniel Ricciardo and reserve driver Liam Lawson as potential replacements.
Reports suggest that Perez’s position with Red Bull might depend on narrowing the gap to Verstappen in the championship standings by the summer break. The gap presently stands at 137 points, and Perez must close it to remain secure in his seat. Horner’s public statements underscore the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need to consistently score points to maintain competitiveness in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
As the next two races approach, Perez is aware that his performance is under the microscope. ‘I need to focus on the next two weekends,’ he remarked, highlighting his determination to regain form and contribute to team successes. The pressure is palpable, and the path ahead is uncertain.
Sergio Perez is at a critical juncture in his F1 career as pressure mounts for improved performance. With Red Bull evaluating options, his future with the team hinges on the results of upcoming races. Perez’s challenge remains not just to score points but to demonstrate resilience and adapt under pressure, ensuring his place within one of the sport’s top teams.
