SUMMARY
- Sergio Perez receives an invitation from the CEO of leading motorsport championship
- Perez could be the first F1 driver since Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne to take part in FE
The Formula 1 2023 season fizzled out the confidence of Sergio Perez after watching a series of unfortunate events follow him after his second-race win. However, it seems that not all doors have closed for the race-winner although he is closing in on a possible contract extension.
Until now, Perez faced the wrath of all the motorsport gods as he came close to losing his seat for the 2024 season. With an exhilarating season and ending the season in second place, Red Bull changed their minds to have the Mexican for yet another season.
Nonetheless, with all the hopes lost for what could happen next season and a wild “Honey Badger” Daniel Ricciardo circling him like a vulture, he has yet another opportunity to kick start his motorsport career in this championship. Although he would want to prove himself in Formula 1 and keep his place at Red Bull, it looks like he is scoping out all the options he can get.
Sergio Perez secures a seat in this championship
The Mexican has had a rough year with everything falling on him and forcing him to do his absolute best just to hang onto his seat for a little longer. After Ricciardo’s sudden entry at AlphaTauri and the chances of him replacing Perez looking around him, a few new paths have been unveiled for him.
The second Red Bull driver’s season saw a downward spiral after his last race win in Azerbaijan as he managed to be involved in crashes during the Monaco qualifications and more during the race. His crashes and mistakes were counted over and over while his Red Bull boss had been rather unapologetic and dismissive of his performance.
Formula E Co Founder Alberto Longo invites Checo to Formula E
“I constantly talk to Checo and I hope he makes a leap to the real competition.”
“Formula E is your home, it will have its doors open and it is welcome.”
[@FOXSports] pic.twitter.com/B9opEC7kiR
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) January 12, 2024
However, as the gates of Red Bull close in on him halfway with only a season to prove himself, he seems to be getting another opportunity in the Formula E championship. Although his team bosses haven’t been as impressed with his performance, he has left the co-founder of Formula E, Alberto Longo amazed.
When talking about Checo, he said, “I constantly talk to Checo and I hope he makes a leap to the real competition. Formula E is your home, it will have its doors open and it is welcome.” With such strong words from the co-founder himself, Checo seems to have already started preparing for the championship instead of resting in his holidays.
Max Verstappen does not see Perez as a threat
After having a fantastic season with 19 race wins out of 22 and 16 records broken, Max Verstappen managed to bag his third Championship title. While it has been quite obvious that the driver has had no competition the whole season long, it seems he sees no rivalry between him and Checo either.
Q: After four races, you and Checo had won two races each. It was even. From Miami onwards, you took off. Why is that?
Max: “You have to paint the whole picture. I had to start from 15th place in Saudi Arabia. I was slightly penalised by the safety car in Baku.”
“So from my… pic.twitter.com/RqKI9haSuB
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) January 3, 2024
He said, “I had to start from 15th place in Saudi Arabia. I was slightly penalized by the safety car in Baku. So from my perspective, it’s not entirely fair to talk about it (the competition between Max and Sergio) being even. Because it wasn’t like that from my point of view.”
Verstappen has been on a journey to achieve something no one has in the sport, while Perez has managed to stop struggling in the back with a rocket ship. With three championships in hand, the Dutchman does not see the Mexican as a threat anymore.