Dutch racer Tom Coronel believes Sergio Perez’s time at Red Bull should come to an end as contract discussions for a new deal continue.
Perez started the season strong with three second-place finishes in the first four races, but his performance has dipped since then. The rise of McLaren and Ferrari as significant competitors has coincided with Perez failing to secure a podium finish since the Chinese Grand Prix, causing him to slip to fifth in the Drivers’ Championship. With Lando Norris winning in Miami and Charles Leclerc triumphing in Monaco, Red Bull faces new challenges this season.
Coronel, on the RacingNews365.com podcast, expressed his opinion that Perez should not be given a new contract. ‘It’s the same every time. The problem is, [Christian] Horner very much wants to keep Perez, that’s my feeling. He has an extra cap on, there is no other way. Otherwise that would have changed a long time ago. I would also say to Perez, thank you for your services. You are very good, but it has been enough. Done, you just have to give up your spot.’
Perez himself has acknowledged that contract negotiations are ongoing. Speaking ahead of the Monaco GP, he said, ‘I know that the negotiations are underway. At some point, we will know and you will be the first one to know!’ His comments come in the wake of a major crash during the opening lap of the Monaco GP, where he collided with Haas’ Kevin Magnussen.
Coronel also suggested that it’s time for fresh talent in Formula 1, criticizing the continuous re-signing of drivers like Magnussen. Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman is reportedly in line for a Haas seat in 2025. Coronel emphasized the importance of giving opportunities to new recruits, hinting that Bearman might fill that role.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Bearman’s Formula 2 teammate, is being linked with a potential move to Mercedes in 2025, potentially replacing Lewis Hamilton, who is rumored to be heading to Ferrari.
While Perez remains a skilled driver, his future at Red Bull is uncertain amidst ongoing contract negotiations and calls for fresh faces in the sport. Coronel’s statements have sparked further speculation about the changes we might see in Formula 1’s driver lineup for the coming seasons.
Source: Planetf1
