Red Bull is confronted with a pivotal decision regarding Sergio Perez’s future in Formula 1, particularly as the 2024 Constructors’ Championship hangs in the balance. Jenson Button has voiced his astonishment at the team’s hesitation to act on Perez’s declining performance, especially after the recent United States Grand Prix, where Perez once again failed to secure a podium finish. While his teammate, Max Verstappen, added 23 points to his tally, Perez could only manage six, highlighting a concerning gap that could impact Red Bull’s championship aspirations.
In the race, Verstappen’s strong performance was bolstered by Red Bull’s upgraded RB20, allowing him to dominate the sprint and finish competitively in the grand prix. Conversely, Perez’s struggles were evident, as he finished seventh, a staggering 40 seconds behind Verstappen. This disappointing result underscores his current form, as he has not claimed a single victory this season and has not been on the podium since the Chinese Grand Prix in April. With only 150 points to his name, he trails Verstappen by a significant 204 points, putting additional strain on Red Bull’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship.
Despite expectations that Perez would be replaced earlier in the season due to his performance issues, he managed to retain his seat. However, Button argues that continuing with him into the 2025 season seems increasingly difficult. He notes that while Perez once held a respectable position even when slightly off Verstappen’s pace, his recent results have him finishing much lower, which could jeopardize Red Bull’s competitive edge. The pressure to perform is mounting, and Button suggests that tough choices may be on the horizon for the team.
Danica Patrick adds to the conversation by speculating that Perez himself might be considering his future at Red Bull. She points out the intense pressure the team places on drivers to perform and suggests that this could lead to discussions about Perez’s role. While she believes that he may be open to a conversation about his position, she clarifies that such discussions typically stem from the team rather than the driver, who may feel compelled to maintain their commitment.
On his part, Perez has made it clear that he intends to continue racing, even utilizing a quote from “The Wolf of Wall Street” to emphasize his determination not to leave. Yet, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, has hinted that Perez needs to show marked improvement to secure his place in the long term.
Meanwhile, promising talents like Liam Lawson are being evaluated, with Button suggesting that if Lawson cannot outperform Yuki Tsunoda during his trial period, perhaps Tsunoda should be considered for a seat in the future. This ongoing search for talent adds another layer of complexity to Perez’s situation as Red Bull aims to strengthen their championship bid.
