Sergio Perez faces an uncertain future due to poor results. His massive slump in form saw him last stand on the podium at the Chinese Grand Prix back in April. As The Mexican’s results have nosedived, it has also seen Red Bull drop down to third in the constructors’ standings.
Looking to change his fortunes at his home race, Perez was keen to impress in front of his home fans. However, a Q1 exit left him with it all to do. The 34-year-old already had a penalty for a start infringement but he was making his way through the field. That is until came across VCARB driver Liam Lawson, and Perez clashed.
Sergio Perez laments ‘avoidable’ incident with rookie Liam Lawson
Perez and Lawson clashed on lap 18, when The Mexican dived up the inside into turn 4. After contact with each other, Checo’s car had significant damage to his sidepod. And the Mexican was not happy with the Kiwi’s defense.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Perez said: “I think it was just an incident that was totally avoidable, there was no need. It was Lap 11, we were in a great position, I had tyres and the corner, he was off the track completely and just went straight. I was quite surprised to see him there.”
It might be Checo’s home race…
But Liam Lawson wasn’t about to give up P10 without getting his elbows out! 👀#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/ru42ZLwper
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 28, 2024
Perez continued by suggesting Lawson should have received a penalty for his racing. In Austin, Lawson was criticised by Fernando Alonso in the sprint race for his racecraft. The Kiwi was again not penalized.
Perez concluded: “Lawson did the same to Fernando last race, the same to Franco and they don’t penalize him. We know that in F1 it depends on who you are for them to do it.”
It was Checo who had lunged up the inside into the tight right-hander. But was there enough room to force his way through? Lawson did have a right to defend, but maybe he was too vigorous to not let Perez through. According to rumors, they are both fighting for the same seat next season.
Uncertainty around Sergio Perez’s future after poor showing in Mexico
Perez came into this race with renewed optimism about getting his form back on track. He hoped to make home advantage count. However, after a poor qualifying session, and being too far forward in his grid slot, the race unraveled to him finishing in last place.
Sergio Pérez says Liam Lawson doesn’t have the right attitude for Formula 1.
“[…] I think the way he has come to Formula 1, I don’t think he has the right attitude for it. He needs to be a bit more humble.”
“When a two-time world champion was saying things last weekend, he… pic.twitter.com/6KJqwBfOfK
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 28, 2024
With Red Bull now slumping back down to third in the constructors’, it is difficult to see how they would keep Perez beyond this season. Fresh blood might be required to get the team back on track. Perez knows this and is looking over his shoulder.
Yuki Tsunoda was a prime candidate to jump into the cockpit, but he himself is now feeling the pressure, seeing his own form slump having not scored points since Hungary in July. After Liam Lawson’s great drive in Austin after making his comeback to the sport, the shootout for the final Red Bull seat looks to be between him and the Mexican.
It is a question for Horner now, whether he should give Perez another chance next season. Or does he take a risk and bring in the inexperienced Lawson? Who will partner Max Verstappen next season? Leave a reply in the comments below.