Sergio Perez will remain with Red Bull Racing next season as Max Verstappen’s teammate, but questions about his long-term future persist following a noticeable decline in form. Despite a strong start to the season, where Red Bull achieved three one-two finishes in the first four races, Perez’s performance has faltered.
Since the fifth round in China, he has failed to reach the podium and has dropped to eighth in the Drivers’ Championship standings, making him the lowest-ranked driver among those from the top four teams. In contrast, Verstappen is on the verge of securing another World Championship title, which he could seal as soon as the Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, the street race in Las Vegas could be a breaking point in Checo’s career. He has recently acknowledged the tremendous pressure as F1 enters the final three rounds of the 2024 season.
Perez Under Pressure As “Need To Perform” Chimes Grow Louder
Sergio Perez has recognized the urgency of delivering a strong performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, marking the start of a crucial triple-header that could define his future in Formula 1. The 34-year-old Red Bull driver finds himself under immense pressure to prove his worth, securing his seat with the team and safeguarding his F1 career. Despite having a contract that runs through 2025, Perez’s inconsistent performances this season have put him in a precarious position. Red Bull may consider replacing him if he cannot demonstrate significant improvement and provide stronger support for Max Verstappen next season. Potential candidates for his seat include Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, with Franco Colapinto as an outside contender.
Perez’s season has been riddled with underwhelming results. After a collision with Carlos Sainz late in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September dashed his hopes of a strong finish, Perez has struggled to break into the top five, his last such finish occurring at the Miami Grand Prix in May. Known for his expertise on street circuits, Perez will need to rely on that strength as he faces the high-pressure atmosphere of Las Vegas.
Drawing confidence from the São Paulo Grand Prix, where he felt Red Bull had untapped competitiveness, Perez expressed his determination to maximize his performance. With the iconic Las Vegas Strip and the towering Sphere providing a spectacular backdrop, the six-time Grand Prix winner understands the importance of making this race count for his results and his future in the sport.
Red Bull To Use 2023 Data For Mastering The Tricky Las Vegas Circuit
Sergio Perez finished on the podium at last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, but he was narrowly edged out by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who passed him in the final corner of the 50-lap race to claim second place. Reflecting on last year’s event, Perez noted that the race was full of unknowns. The Las Vegas Grand Prix was a completely new addition to the calendar, featuring an unfamiliar surface and racing conditions with temperatures unlike any other he had experienced.
He explained that, with limited data in 2023, the team was racing blind to some extent. However, going into this year’s race, they have far more information and a better understanding of the circuit, which should help improve their performance.
