Sergio Pérez believes he is not solely responsible for Red Bull’s position in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite the Austrian team winning the title twice in a row, they are at risk of losing it to Ferrari or McLaren in 2024. Pérez is disappointed that his team did not fight harder last year to secure the title.
In the run-up to the season finale, Red Bull is in third place in the Constructors’ Championship. McLaren leads the standings, but Ferrari is close behind. The Italians have reduced the gap to their rivals from Woking to 21 points. Both teams will have to battle it out on the Yas Marina Circuit to determine who will ultimately take the title. Meanwhile, Red Bull is 59 points behind McLaren and therefore no longer has a chance at the championship.
Many experts point to Sergio Pérez as one of the reasons for Red Bull’s current position. Compared to Max Verstappen, the Mexican left many points on the table this season. While the four-time world champion has already collected 429 points, Pérez’s tally stands at 152. In the last eight Grands Prix, he scored only 13 points, leaving him languishing in a disappointing eighth place in the Drivers’ Championship.
‘It’s not just down to me’
During media day in Abu Dhabi, Pérez was confronted with the large differences between him and Verstappen. Does he feel responsible for the loss in the Constructors’ Championship? “Of course I take my responsibility,” he responded. “But I don’t feel that this is all down to one person. I am part of a large organization, a big team. It’s a real shame we didn’t fight harder for the constructors.”
Sergio Pérez’s future at Red Bull remains uncertain. After the GP in Abu Dhabi, the team management will meet to discuss his position. However, Pérez himself is optimistic about his chances. “I still feel that I can stay in this sport for a few more years,” he stated. “And I definitely want to end my career with Red Bull.
