Sergio Pérez towards the exit? A delicate matter
As rumors about Sergio Pérez's departure before the end of the season multiply, his new contract complicates the situation for Red Bull. Meanwhile, the replacement of the Mexican by Lawson remains uncertain following the events of the last Grand Prix.
Tension is rising within Red Bull as the Austrian team seems closer than ever to experiencing a crisis regarding its second seat.
The duel Pérez – Lawson
Since Liam Lawson’s arrival at Racing Bulls, rumors have been circulating about Sergio Pérez being replaced by the New Zealander at Red Bull. It must be said that Lawson impressed in his first race in Austin, while Pérez seems to be struggling constantly.
However, after a Mexican Grand Prix marked by a war between the two men, the possible promotion of Lawson in place of Pérez took a hit.
However, it is Sergio Pérez who currently finds himself in a more than critical situation. His lackluster performance this season has created a gap with Verstappen, seriously compromising Red Bull’s chances of winning the Constructors’ title.
Helmut Marko even went so far as to say that Red Bull is no longer able to win the title at the end of this 21st round of the championship.
Perez: an uncertain future
More and more rumors are circulating about a possible departure of Pérez before the end of the season, but a report from Formu1a.uno highlights that this could prove to be complex. The new contract signed by Pérez before the Canadian Grand Prix could indeed complicate the situation.
According to the report from Formu1a.uno, it appears that the performance clauses that could have impacted Pérez are no longer relevant. This raises questions about how Red Bull could proceed to part ways with him, as well as the legal implications of such a decision.
Christian Horner: a confession of powerlessness
Regarding Perez’s performance at the end of the Mexican Grand Prix, Christian Horner, the team principal, did not fail to express his concern: « Checo had another horrible weekend, and nothing worked for him. He knows that F1 is a results-based environment, and inevitably, when you don’t deliver, the pressure focuses on you.
Horner also emphasized the importance of a performing duo within the team: « As I said, F1 is all about results, and when someone is struggling, there will always be questions about it. And as a team, we need to have both cars scoring points, that’s the nature of F1.
When the issue of pressure was raised, whether for this season or the next, he replied: “It’s constant, it’s always part of the landscape. So, from the team’s point of view, we are working with him as best we can to try to support him. I think we have done everything possible to support Checo, and we will continue to do so in Brazil next weekend. But there comes a point where there is not much more we can do.”
Red Bull finds itself at a delicate crossroads, with crucial decisions to be made in the coming weeks.
