These days for Formula One drivers, securing a seat at Red Bull means a guaranteed shot at victory. They have a car that is over 10 seconds quicker than its competitors. But right now, the seats are secured by Dutch driver Max Verstappen and Mexican driver Sergio Perez. While Max has used the machinery to claim absolute dominance, Perez has endured its fair share of struggles.
Despite being in equal machinery, Sergio Perez is lagging behind his teammate Max Verstappen by over 100 points in the driver’s championship table. His struggles have undoubtedly put his seat at risk. While Red Bull has promised to back him till the end of his contract, the hunt for the second driver has already begun.
Red Bull Open To Test Drivers Other Than Ricciardo And Perez For 2025 Seat
Sergio Perez’s existing contract with Red Bull will expire at the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season. While his seat is secure for now, things could change in the near future. Apparently, the drink-based team is not satisfied with Checo’s performance and might not extend his contract. If so happens, the team’s reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo, who recently joined AlphaTauri, is next in line to replace him. Ricciardo has vast racing experience and is well-versed in the organizational structure of Red Bull racing. That makes him the most preferred choice. However, as per team principal Christian Horner, the seat is open for all.
Red Bull chief said that the team had received a lot of interest for the second seat alongside Max Verstappen. Moreover, the contest is open for all, and the team will seemingly look beyond Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo to fill the seat. If needed, Horner is even willing to expand the search for the second driver beyond the organizational boundaries. Earlier rumors suggested that the team is having behind-the-scenes negotiations with McLaren driver Lando Norris. Helmut Marko, the senior most official of Red Bull, is highly impressed with Norris and would like him to partner with Verstappen. Having said that, Perez has two years to prove himself. If he manages to beat Max at some point in the future, he could very well demand an extension.
Former Racing Legend Compares Sergio Perez’s Contract To Toilet Paper
Sergio Perez has a contract with Red Bull Racing till 2024. However, it seems the organization has already started looking for replacements. They no longer want to continue with the Mexican driver as his form is nowhere close to Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, former Dutch racing legend Tom Corone has passed harsh comments on Perez’s future. He said that Checo’s contract is equivalent to toilet paper. It holds no value.
The future of Sergio Perez at Red Bull is defined. Helmut Marko needs a strong driver alongside Max Verstappen, and Daniel Ricciardo happens to be one. He was the only one who stood a chance at beating him in equal machinery back in the day when they were teammates. Hence, Ricciardo any day is a far better option than Sergio Perez to fill the drink based team’s second seat.