Formula 1’s six-time Grand Prix winner, Sergio Perez has been at the forefront of the media spotlight. More questions are asked instead of answers as the ‘Mexican Minister of Defence’ has been pressured to create a solid title defence in the constructor’s championship.
As well as, solidarity in his future at Red Bull Racing. However, all the work to score points has been accumulated so far by his younger team-mate. The three-time world champion, Max Verstappen.
The car number 11 driver’s best performance so far, dates back to the Japanese Grand Prix. The Milton Keynes-based team stole the show around the Suzuka circuit taking away 44 points for the constructor’s championship. But ever since Round 4 of the Formula 1 2024 season, the Mexican has seen himself dip in form exponentially. His highest finish since the Austrian Grand Prix has been seventh place.
But this performance to the Formula 1 community is costing Red Bull their chances to achieve a seventh constructors championship. As their rivals based in Woking, McLaren have closed the soft cushion to now 42 points. As Formula 1 has begun its summer break. But one question needs to be addressed with careful consideration. Does Red Bull need to let go of Sergio Perez? In the bid to keep their championship aspirations alive?
28 Points in the Last 8 Races
Sergio Perez’s poor performance is nothing more than self-explanatory. 28 points in the last eight races. And his highest finish? Seventh around not just only Austria but also Hungary and the latest race at the Belgium Grand Prix. If we compare his tally to Max Verstappen from Imola to Belgium, the Flying Dutchman has accumulated 141 points. Maximising three race wins to add to his growing tally. A 113-point deficit between the two Red Bull drivers is the first point as to why Red Bull needs to reconsider their option to retain Sergio Perez.
Under the same car, equal machinery including the technical upgrades that have been introduced to the RB20, Perez’s performance during the 2024 season should be put into careful consideration going forward.
Red Bull’s Ever-growing challenge from McLaren
Red Bull’s endeavour to clinch a seventh constructors championship is becoming a slow burn of intensity. As their nearest rival, McLaren has closed the gap down to just 42 points. If we compare the difference starting from Imola and seeing how many points both teams have earned. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has scored 126 points plus Lando scoring 116 points. Which equals 242 points in comparison to Red Bull’s, 169. 73 points more which has closed the gap down to just 42 points. And there is no sign of the Woking team stepping off the throttle in the bid to spoil the Red Bull party.
28 points throughout eight races is the equivalent of 3.5 points per race. The papaya-coloured team’s ever-growing points tally is the second reason Sergio’s future at Red Bull should be questioned. As Perez should be competing for podiums let alone race wins. Not picking the last few points that are left to clinch.
Ideal Candidates to Replace Sergio Perez
Heading forward, if Red Bull chooses not to let the Mexican driver go during the 2024 season, Red Bull must look for suitable options to replace the six-time Grand Prix winner for the 2025 season. But only two drivers can fit the potential vacancy that is within the Red Bull Academy who stand out. Those two are, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson.
Yuki Tsunoda
Why Yuki? For starters, since his inception into Formula 1, Yuki has been nurtured into the Red Bull sister team Alpha Tauri which is now Visa Cash App RB, cementing his calibre as a strong midfield contender. But for his fourth season in Formula 1, Yuki has not been allowed to be competitive. In the fight for more points within the Top 10.
Red Bull mentioned in the past that their ‘cutthroat attitude’ has got them out of dilemmas if their driver has not been on the level of competitiveness that Red Bull desires. Drivers that have been cut from Red Bull include the likes of Daniel Kvyat, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon. Should Red Bull do the same and allow the young Japanese driver to prove how strong he can be? At this stage of the championship, the Milton Keynes team need to take risks to keep their championship aspirations alive.
Liam Lawson
Currently, the Reserve Driver for both Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) and Red Bull Racing, Liam Lawson is potentially the hail mary to throw to partner alongside Max Verstappen. The only reason why Liam’s chances supersede that of Yuki Tsuonda is that the current VCARB driver has extended his contract until the end of the 2025 season. Liam has no contract currently but waiting in the wings for the opportunity.
Liam arrived on the Formula 1 tarmac when Daniel Ricciardo broke his wrist during the Austrian Grand Prix First Practice session in 2023. Shortly after, the New Zealand driver came in to occupy the second seat of the AT04. For the five races, Lawson came close to points-scoring positions finishing 11th in Italy and Japan. But the best is to come in his performance at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, finishing ninth and claiming a solid two points for the team. With only five starts in Formula 1, Lawson becomes the do-or-die option for the Milton Keynes team to sign for 2025.
Sergio Perez may Already be A Morale Problem
Whatever the labels define Sergio Perez as there is a clear distinction that the Mexican’s performance will continue to create ever-lasting damage. And for a whole team who’s determination to lift the biggest trophy at the of the season, may see their aspirations fall. As the morale amongst the team may already be frosty.
Given confidence that Red Bull’s CEO and Team Principal, Christian Horner, has stated that he will retain Sergio Perez for the rest of the season. This decision in confidence maybe an underlining sigh of horror. Given the team pressure grows ever so sour. With the likes of McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes scoring race wins and stealing more points from Red Bull. A decision must be made when Formula 1 returns from the summer holidays.
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Carlos Sainz Joins Williams: A New Chapter For Both Parties” or “Belgium Grand Prix: F1 Rollercoaster in the Ardennes Forest!”
Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
