This weekend we head to the Mexican Grand Prix where Sergio Perez will celebrate his home race. However, he is under a lot of pressure from the fans and the team to deliver results. Things are definitely not looking good for him as Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are preparing to replace him next year.
At the start of the 2024 season, Red Bull was once again dominating, with Verstappen winning most of the races, and Perez consistently fighting for podiums. But ever since the Miami Grand Prix, Perez has not been able to keep up with the McLarens, Ferraris, or even the Mercedes. This has put Red Bull in a vulnerable position in the Constructors’ Championship.
Sergio Perez admits to having a terrible F1 season
Ahead of the weekend, Checo admitted that he has had a terrible season so far. Here’s what he said in Thursday’s press conference.
“I know I’ve had a terrible season, so if I can get a strong result it can change my season. I think momentum in F1 is very important, but I also know how this sport works and it is all about your last race. If I get a good one here, my season can definitely take a U-turn. We can’t unlock the full potential of the car, we are trying different things.”
Sergio Perez looking for a podium finish at the Mexican GP this weekend.
“Mexico is the biggest weekend of the season for me, and every year it seems to get bigger. The important thing is to be able to shut out the noise off track and focus on the job in hand.”
“Ultimately,… pic.twitter.com/b3OhzRp6tK
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 24, 2024
Despite his terrible season, Checo thinks he is just 1 weekend away from turning things around. Given that this weekend will be his home race, Perez could get some extra motivation and inspiration to pull out an impressive performance.
The Mexican driver has proved that he is capable of some impressive performances. Back in Baku, Max Verstappen was struggling with the RB20. But Perez on the other hand was more than comfortable in the car. He was on the way to secure a podium finish, but he tangled with Carlos Sainz with just a couple of laps to go in the race.
So coming to Mexico, we could be in for a podium finish for Checo. If this happens, the crowd is going to go completely wild. But first, Perez will need to find a way to beat the McLarens and the Ferraris.
Papa Perez thinks his son can win the Championship
Before the weekend of the Mexican Grand Prix, Sergio Perez’s father had some interesting words. He believes that his son will soon have the tools to compete for the Championship with Red Bull.
“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.”
🚨 | 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 is no doubt that Papa Perez is Checo’s biggest supporter. However, he cannot hide the fact that Perez has had the tools to fight for the Championship for the last 3 years. Last year was Checo’s best chance to win the title. Red Bull was dominating race after race. However, Perez was not able to keep up with his teammates.
So despite his father claiming that Perez will be a World Champion, the facts say otherwise. There is also a lot of doubt regarding Perez’s future with Red Bull.
Although Perez has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2026 season, his performances have put him in the hot seat. Red Bull could be replacing Perez with Lawson or Tsunoda as soon as next year. It all depends on what Checo does in the next 5 Grand Prix races.
Do you think Sergio Perez will remain in Red Bull in 2025? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.