Red Bull is in contrast as both their drivers, Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen have set performance records that are poles apart. The Mexican driver had an exceptionally difficult season as he struggled to qualify as early since the infamous crash at the Monaco Grand Prix this year.
There has been a downfall ever since as Perez remained inconsistent. While Verstappen made it to his third World Championship, Sergio Perez has played “second fiddle” all along.
Although the team principal of the Austrian outfit, Christian Horner has indicated the Mexican will not be replaced anytime soon, he made a harsh comment recently.
Horner said, “You can see Mercedes have a pair, McLaren have a pair, Ferrari have a pair that are quite tight between the respective drivers. I think we’ve had that at the earlier point in the year. But as the season has gone on it’s become more variant.”
🚨 Christian Horner says Red Bull no longer has a driver pairing like Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari
“You can see Mercedes have a pair, McLaren have a pair, Ferrari have a pair that are quite tight between the respective drivers.”
“I think we’ve had that at the earlier point in… pic.twitter.com/TOit1nxiiu
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) October 9, 2023
However, he further added, “We just need to get Checo back to the best form that he’s capable of.” His recent lack of good delivery on the track has put his spot in the team at risk.
There have been multiple contenders who were to replace Perez in the team, including Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris, but there was no official announcement made. Sergio’s contract will expire at the end of the 2024 season.
Helmut Marko suggests Sergio Perez needs a team change
The Austrian advisor on board the Red Bull team, Helmut Marko has held strong prejudices against Sergio Perez in the past. He has repeatedly voiced his opinion on how the Mexican is just not good enough for them and the difference in the power dynamic between him and his teammate, Max Verstappen.
It went as far as Marko making strong xenophobic remarks that did not go well with the masses who demanded for his departure from the team.
A weekend where nothing worked out for us, first of all I want to thank my entire @redbullracing team very much for getting my car ready on time, we have the best mechanics in the world.
Let’s think about the closing, there are still 5 very important races left and we are going… pic.twitter.com/UOT0PCkqlQ
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) October 8, 2023
Regardless, the advisor recently stated, “I brought Perez into the team back then. But that’s simply the fate with Verstappen that he’s suffering now. That was already the case with Gasly. From that point of view, Perez needs a change of climate and team. But the team and he are aware that he is in a crisis.”
As only a handful of races are left in the season, despite Perez holding the second spot in the Drivers’ Standings, he is at a huge risk of getting replaced.
The chain of incidents that took place this ongoing season has taken a toll on the driver. He has even confessed how the Formula 1 drama is impacting his personal life, considering the fact that his wife has given birth to their fourth child recently. Although Perez can not be replaced until 2024, he is eagerly waiting for a contract extension at the moment.