Sergio Perez’s F1 career is in the shadow of doubt as Red Bull hints towards a potential replacement. The Mexican racer was recently retained after a thorough discussion. While the fans were expecting Checo’s early exit, Christian Horner & Co. had other plans. The RBR Management extended Perez’s contract for one year. However, the 34-year-old racer continued to disappoint with his shoddy performances.
Perez stands as the only winless driver among the top four teams, with his last podium finish nearly eight months ago. Moreover, he is currently at P8 in the Drivers standings, as teammate Verstappen is almost 300 points ahead. His constant slump has jeopardized Red Bull Constructor’s Cup hopes. Ferrari overtook RBR, pushing them to third spot. The Austrian outfit is now searching for a replacement as both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson are auditioning to be Verstappen’s teammate. Jos Verstappen, however, has picked Liam Lawson as his favorite to be the next Red Bull racer.
Liam Lawson Gains Jos Verstappen’s Support Amid Perez’s Struggles
McLaren took control of the Constructors’ Championship in Baku, with Ferrari rising to second place in Mexico, while Red Bull finds itself trailing by 49 points. Max Verstappen’s recent win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, his first in 11 race weekends, hasn’t significantly improved the team’s standings, especially as Sergio Perez scored just a single point in a weekend where Red Bull could have earned up to 34.
With Perez’s performance under scrutiny, speculation is mounting that his future with Red Bull may be in jeopardy. Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has indicated that a decision on Perez’s position will be made after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with young talent Liam Lawson seen as the frontrunner to take over.
Currently, in the middle of his six-race trial, Lawson has shown promise by securing four points in the VCARB, compared to Perez’s seven in the same period for Red Bull. Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s lead driver Max Verstappen, has also hinted at support for Lawson as a potential teammate for his son. He noted that Lawson’s strong performances suggest he’s ready for a full-time F1 seat and added that having a competitive teammate would help Max improve, ultimately benefiting the team.
Liam Lawson Reflects On Clash With Sergio Perez At Brazilian GP
Liam Lawson clarified his intentions on the track after his recent clash with Sergio Perez at the Mexican Grand Prix. He emphasized that he doesn’t aim to create conflicts or rivalries with other drivers. The New Zealander explained that his focus isn’t on making friends but on competing at his highest level and pursuing victory. Balancing assertiveness with respect, he stated that his goal remains to race competitively, with his primary focus on winning rather than maintaining alliances.
