Sergio Perez dreamed of becoming a world champion when he joined Red Bull in 2021. That year, his teammate Max Verstappen was victorious, and it looked like Red Bull were back at their best. The team would go on to dominate the following two seasons.
However, Max Verstappen became a three-time world champion, demolishing Perez in the process. Checo lost form after the Miami Grand Prix in 2023 and is yet to find his feet this season. There are also rumors of retirement or being replaced at the end of the season. But his father believes Perez could still be a world champion
Perez’s father backs his son to be world champion despite drop in form
Checo’s form dipped dramatically despite a string of early podiums this season. He has yet to finish in the top three after the Chinese Grand Prix in April and currently sits in eighth place in the drivers’ standings. He is also the only one of the top eight drivers yet to win a race this season.
DRIVER STANDINGS (after 19/24 rounds)
Verstappen’s lead increases to 57 points #F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/wVXySFRkrX
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 20, 2024
The string of poor performances has also let McLaren jump Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. However, the Mexican’s father still believes Checo is world champion material and will eventually win the championship.
Speaking to Récord+, Perez Sr said: “The best of Checo Perez is yet to come. I am sure that in due course, Checo will have the weapons and the tools to fight for the world championship. I am very excited and I can say that Checo will be world champion.”
However, to win the championship, Perez must overcome three-time world champion Max Verstappen. Max is more comfortable than Perez with the Red Bull, and the Dutchman is a formidable opponent. Perez would have to drive flawlessly, but there is no sign of his form improving in the near future.
Will Perez still be at Red Bull to achieve his dream?
Rumors of Perez retiring are not going away. Before the Singapore Grand Prix, he admitted, “I know the end is getting closer and closer.” With pressure on the Mexican and him claiming he wants to leave the sport on his terms, how much longer will he remain in Formula 1?
There are also rumors Red Bull could be lining up Liam Lawson to replace Perez. Lawson only has a contract until 2024. Is this because they could force Perez to leave the team or retire him early?
⚠️ | 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
Lawson has shown great speed in his come-back race in Austin last weekend. He was also quick in the races he stood in for Daniel Ricciardo last season. With more experience this season, he could be the man to partner Verstappen to take Red Bull back to the top. It is still early days, but Perez is watching over his shoulders at the young Kiwi.
