Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing’s driver, is having a tough season this year despite being in the fastest machinery on the grid. He is lagging over 100 points behind his teammate Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship standings. Naturally, the Mexican driver has landed in hot waters and has been a subject of constant ridicule and criticism.
Recently, after Checo failed to make it to the Q1 of qualifying for the fifth time in a row, questions over his future started to do rounds. Many speculated that Perez might be replaced by Red Bull’s reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo. He recently joined AlphaTauri to move a step closer to the Red Bull seat. To put an end to speculations, team principal Christian Horner has come forward with a final verdict on Checo’s future.
Christian Horner Confirms Sergio Perez’s Stay In Red Bull Till The End Of His Contract
Sergio Perez has been facing a lot of heat lately. The constant pressure to secure a podium has taken a toll on his mental health. To add to the misery, the Mexican driver’s Red Bull seat has come under threat. If rumors are to be believed, the drink-based team is looking for a replacement. Moreover, the team’s reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo recently moved a step close to the contest for Perez’s seat by making a move to AlphaTauri. Since then, the speculations gained momentum. Amid this, the team principal Christian Horner came forward to address Checo’s situation and gave a major update on the driver’s foreseeable future.
Principal Christian Horner confirmed that Sergio Perez will keep driving for Red Bull until the end of his contract, which expires by the end of next year. Apparently, the team seems happy with his performance so far. Further, Horner added that Checo can even extend his stay beyond 2024 by performing well with all the time he has left. This suggests that the doors are not yet closed for the Mexican driver. While Max Verstappen’s dominance has adversely affected his run, Checo can try to be the best number two this season. If Perez finishes on a high this year, maybe next season, he can compete for the championship. Overall, Christian Horner’s latest comments should serve as a relief to Sergio Perez for the imminent future.
Christian Horner Open To Offer Seat To Daniel Ricciardo Despite Age Barrier
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo has posed a big threat to Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull. He recently got into AlphaTauri, replacing Nyck De Vries, and has been good so far. Meanwhile, the word around the paddock is that Ricciardo moved to the sister team to put his contention for the second seat currently secured by Sergio Perez. But the drink-based team is reportedly having second doubts due to the Australian’s age.
Daniel Ricciardo is 34 currently and might not have many years left in his Formula One career. However, Red Bull is the least worried. As per team principal Christian Horner, age is not a barrier. Seeing what Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton has able to achieve, Horner fully believes Ricciardo to do his best when given a chance.
