The Red Bull squad is experiencing a driver problem. While Max Verstappen has been exceptional in one seat, Sergio Perez has struggled in the other. The Mexican racer has failed to deliver since the Miami GP, jeopardizing RBR’s Constructors Cup hopes. This was the reason why calls for replacing Checo echoed through the Red Bull camp. However, the Milton Keynes squad decided to retain Perez for the remainder of 2024.
Meanwhile, fans and experts have speculated that this move is financially driven. Perez brings a massive amount of money into F1; thus, his brand value is unmatched. Therefore, the team is helpless, as finding a similar replacement appears to be a daunting task. However, the team’s decision to replace Daniel Ricciardo would definitely mount pressure on Perez. The RBR head, Helmut Marko, opened up about the entire situation.
Helmut Marko Reveals Key Developments Behind Ricciardo’s Exit
Following the recent Singapore Grand Prix, where Daniel Ricciardo was replaced by Liam Lawson, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was quite direct in explaining the situation. According to Marko, Ricciardo was given an opportunity that few others in the sport would have received. His second chance with the team came with the hope that a strong performance could lead to a potential return to Red Bull’s main squad.
Marko emphasized that Ricciardo’s stint at Red Bull was always meant to be a temporary solution. Despite some highlights, such as his fourth-place finishes at the sprint race in Miami and the Mexican Grand Prix last year, his overall speed and consistency were lacking. These performances, while notable, were not enough to secure a long-term spot with the team. Interestingly, Marko did not mention Ricciardo’s strong showing at this year’s Canadian Grand Prix, which some might see as a harsh omission. However, it doesn’t change the broader issue: Red Bull is focused on finding a long-term successor to Max Verstappen. In the short term, Ricciardo’s intended role alongside Verstappen, potentially replacing Sergio Perez, speaks volumes about the pressure Perez is currently under.
Perez, who has faced scrutiny for some time, has managed to maintain his position with Red Bull despite inconsistent form over the past two seasons. While he has survived these challenges so far, Red Bull’s patience appears to be running thin. Ricciardo was initially brought in during 2023 to replace Nyck de Vries and to push Perez further, but that plan didn’t achieve its goal, allowing Perez to keep his seat. Now, the task of adding pressure falls to Liam Lawson. As Red Bull continues to evaluate its long-term driver lineup, it’s clear that Perez’s future remains uncertain, and Lawson’s performances could play a pivotal role in shaping that future.
Red Bull Remains Committed To Sergio Perez As Liam Lawson Waiting At The Doorstep
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged that Liam Lawson is being seriously considered for a future Red Bull seat. While discussing the team’s plans for the 2025 season on the F1 Nation podcast, Horner revealed that the team is closely evaluating Lawson’s potential.
In an ideal scenario, Horner expressed hope that Sergio Perez could regain the form he displayed at the beginning of the season, allowing Red Bull to maintain its current driver lineup without making any changes. However, Horner also admitted the unpredictability of Formula 1, where situations can shift rapidly, hinting that decisions about the team’s future lineup remain fluid. This evaluation process pressures Perez as Lawson makes a strong case for himself.