Sergio Perez has been facing a lot of criticism after failing to keep up with Max Verstappen‘s pace in the same car. Now it looks like he will be punished as new details surface regarding his contract.
Sergio Perez joined Red Bull Racing in 2021 to replace Alex Albon. Before the Mexican driver joined, Red Bull was finding it difficult to find a second Red Bull driver to finish on the podium while Max was fighting for race wins. After 2 years of searching, they finally found someone to come close to Verstappen’s pace in 2021. Sergio Perez showed his experience right from his debut race.
Battle of the Bulls ⚔️
It’s been a remarkable 12 races for Max and Checo ✨#F1 @redbullracing pic.twitter.com/WB6JhEZc0N
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 3, 2023
Since joining Red Bull, the Mexican driver has won 5 races so far. While this performance is better than his predecessors. Max Verstappen on the other hand got 35 wins after Perez joined the team. This result has come to light after races where Perez has been finding it difficult to qualify for Q3 while Max has been taking pole almost every race.
What clause has Red Bull sneaked into the contract for Sergio Perez?
It has been rumored that Red Bull has a clause that allows them to reduce Sergio Perez’s salary or bonus if he is 125 points behind Max Verstappen.
The current point difference between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez after the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix is exactly 125. This may not be good news as it looks as if the 2-time Champion is only going to extend his lead from here.
In his previous seasons with Red Bull, Sergio Perez has always finished the season over 150 points behind Max Verstappen. It is unclear if this clause was present in his contract at the time. Perez signed a new contract after the Monaco Grand Prix in 2022.
🚨Checo PĂ©rez’s contract can be adjusted this month due to the 125 point deficits to Max, according to De Telegraaf
Due to a special clause, Checo’s contract can be adjusted if his gap to Max is 125 points or more
Right now Checo’s point deficit to Max after 12 races is… pic.twitter.com/OMGzY24WTz
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) August 5, 2023
That contract came into effect at the start of this year. Since the 6-time Grand Prix winner has already had 2 years with the team, it is likely that Red Bull added this clause for his current contract only. There is no official confirmation of this clause on his contract. But it is no secret that Perez has been underperforming when compared to Max Verstappen.
Although it is unlikely, Perez could recharge during the summer break and come back stronger than Max Verstappen. However, the Dutch driver has more or less won the Championship already. Even members within the Red Bull organization have ruled out Perez’s chances of winning the Championship. But at the very least, he can come close to the race pace of Max Verstappen after the summer break.
Let’s see if Perez is able to recharge during the summer break and come back stronger than ever for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort later this month.