For most of the season, Sergio Perez has been criticized for his poor performances compared to his teammate, Max Verstappen. This sparked speculations and reports suggesting that Red Bull is looking to replace the Mexican driver for the 2025 season. However, Checo has dismissed these rumours and is confident about staying with the team next year.
Ever since Liam Lawson made his way into VCARB, it was understood that Red Bull wanted to analyze Lawson and Tsunoda’s performances to see who would better fit as Perez’s replacement. But now, there are several factors pointing towards Perez continuing with the team.
Sergio Perez dismisses Red Bull exit rumours
Recently, Perez addressed the rumours circling in the media for months. He said:
“I take it with humour. I already laugh at everything that is invented, what is spoken. Some, I don’t think all of them because there are professional journalists.”
⚠️ | Sergio Perez on the fact that he is nearing the end of his career:
“I don’t see myself much longer in Formula 1.”
“For now I have two more years on my contract, and two years in F1 is a long time, but I know the end is getting closer and closer.”
“I want to finish my… pic.twitter.com/TmxzVmy8AM
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 26, 2024
Right now, it seems as though Red Bull is looking to continue with Perez on the team. A few days back, it was reported that Christian Horner confirmed to Red Bull’s sponsors that Checo will be driving for the team next year. If this is the case, the team needs to figure out how to get both their drivers competitive in order to challenge for the Constructors’ Championship next year.
Looking at the points tables, it is unlikely that Red Bull will win this year’s Constructors’ Championship, or come in 2nd. This is partly due to Sergio Perez not being able to compete against the McLarens, Ferraris, or even the Mercedes. While Verstappen is leading the Drivers’ Championship, Perez sits in 8th position with drivers from all the above-mentioned teams outscoring him.
What does Red Bull need to do to help Checo?
Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen said that if Red Bull focused on improving the pace of the car, it would help Checo. Horner himself admitted that the RB20’s pace is nowhere compared to the RB19. He claims that it all started with an upgrade they brought at the Spanish GP last year.
Red Bull started the 2024 season on a high note with Verstappen winning and Perez coming in 2nd. Until the Miami Grand Prix, Perez was consistently finishing on the podium alongside Verstappen. But in Miami, the McLaren brought some upgrades to their car that placed them in contention for wins in every race. Since then, Perez has not been performing well.
🚨 | Sergio Perez said that some of the Red Bull engineers have apologised to him for ignoring his criticisms of the RB20.
“To be fair, even some of the engineers after Monza came to me and did apologise, in a way, because it’s now a lot clearer that the issues I was talking… pic.twitter.com/VbA9x5BRFy
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 20, 2024
So Verstappen believes that if Red Bull focuses on improving the overall pace of the car, Checo’s form will naturally come back. But why is Verstappen performing so much better?
In F1, there are different types of drivers. Some find a way to work around a problem, and others are more sensitive to issues on the car. Verstappen, being the former, has been able to adjust to the RB20’s problems and still deliver good results. Checo on the other hand is more sensitive and can identify issues with the RB20 more effectively.
Given that this is Checo’s 14th year in F1, he has a lot of experience and knows how a car should and should not behave. Hence, his feedback to the team is vital if they hope to remain on top. This is probably why Red Bull wants to retain him for another year.
Do you think Red Bull will be making the right decision if they choose to keep Checo in the car for another year? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.
