Sergio Perez has had a torrid season. The Mexican currently sits in eighth in the championship and hasn’t stood on the podium since China in April. His slump has seen Red Bull drop down to third in the constructors’ championship.
After the Mexican Grand Prix, rumors gathered pace to say Checo will be replaced at the end of the season. However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has indicated Perez could even be replaced before the end of the season.
Sergio Perez is adamant he will drive for Red Bull next season
Perez might have had a poor season, but the 34-year-old still believes he will driving a Red Bull next season. Speaking to Sky Sports after the Mexican GP, he said: “I’ll be here next year and I will try to go for victory because that is my dream.”
🚨 | Christian Horner says he needs Sergio Perez to step up and help Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.
“Ferrari, congratulations to them. They’ve been very, very strong, and they’ve got two drivers competing at the front.”
“McLaren, likewise, their drivers, there’s… pic.twitter.com/pecQPCKTE7
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 24, 2024
There are two issues in the way of Perez guaranteeing his seat for the next term. The fact Red Bull is looking less likely to win the constructors’ championship for the third time in a row, is mainly down to Checo not scoring big points. He is the only driver in the top eight yet to win a race and hasn’t finished in the top five since Miami.
He is also failing to take points off Lando Norris, Max Verstappen’s biggest championship challenger. Failure to do so could leave the Dutchman vulnerable. Unlike Perez, Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri has taken a large number of points away from Max, leaving Norris a fighting chance to win the title.
Who is in line to replace Sergio Perez if he is chopped?
The two candidates to replace Perez should he be let go by Red Bull, are Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. Yuki’s progress this season has stalled and has failed to score since Hungary back in July. On the other hand, Liam Lawson has shown a good turn of speed.
Since the Kiwi replaced Daniel Ricciardo, he has scored 2 points in Austin. He also looked good for a points finish in Mexico before damaging his car in a battle with Franco Colapinto. On the other hand, Yuki had a scrappy race in Texas before being shunted out in turn 1 in Mexico.
If either of these drivers do get promoted to Red Bull, is there anyone good enough to replace them at VCARB? Red Bull junior racer Isaac Hadjar is battling to win the F2 championship. Williams driver Franco Colapinto has also been linked.
However, the Colapinto link has issues due to him being a Williams junior driver. Would they give him up after spending time and money on him, especially to a rival team? Hadjar would be the obvious choice but would be less experienced. If they believe neither would be a suitable candidate, Perez might just have to stay put for a little while longer.
