While Sergio Pérez had hoped for a ‘turnaround’ during his home race in Mexico, the 34-year-old driver ironically finished last. After a poor qualification, Checo started from the eighteenth spot and eventually finished seventeenth. His future at Red Bull is now hanging by a thread. Team boss Christian Horner hinted that Pérez might be sacrificed even before the end of the season.
“There comes a time when we have to make a tough decision,” Horner said after the race in Mexico. “Pérez’s weekend was just terrible. Basically, nothing went right. He knows that Formula 1 is results-oriented – if you don’t perform, you inevitably come under scrutiny.” The debacle in Mexico City was yet another disappointing weekend for Checo. While Max Verstappen, who is leading the championship, has already collected 362 points, Pérez is in eighth place with 150 points.
‘Both Cars Are Needed’
While Visa RB drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson are eager to replace him, Pérez’s future is becoming increasingly uncertain. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko referred to his two-year contract as ‘worthless’ this week if he doesn’t deliver results. The question is whether he can be replaced before the end of the season. “As a team, we need both cars to score points,” Horner admitted. “That’s the essence of Formula 1.” Red Bull is now in third place in the constructors’ championship – rival Ferrari has overtaken the Austrians.
During the upcoming GP in São Paulo, Sergio Pérez will still be driving for Red Bull, Horner confirmed. “We will continue to work as well as possible with Checo,” he concluded. “We are doing everything we can to support him and will continue to do so in Brazil.” After the race weekend in São Paulo, Formula 1 will again be on a break for several weeks. Enough time for a driver change? Only time will tell.
