Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has revealed that Sergio Perez may not finish the season after a disappointing Mexican Grand Prix.
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Sergio Perez had yet another disappointing race weekend in Mexico, an outcome that has seemingly become a regular one this season.
Although the Mexican driver hoped to impress his home crowd at the Grand Prix this weekend, Perez finished the race in 17th, the last position in the race as three drivers had to retire.
Qualifying in 18th position, the driver managed to gain five places at the start, however, was quickly met with a five second penalty after a false start.
Later in the race, the hometown hero battled with VCARB driver and closest rival, Liam Lawson. However, after attempting an overtake at turn four, Perez was unable to overtake Lawson, with a moment of contact causing aero damage to the Red Bull.
After losing their lead in the Constructors’ Championship in Baku to McLaren, Red Bull has now fallen to third position in the Standings after the Mexican Grand Prix, following a string of outstanding results at Ferrari.
Knowing that the team are unable to continue in this downward trajectory, Horner has indirectly indicated that Perez may not finish the 2024 season.
“Look, it’s a performance-based business,” said Horner.
“There comes a point in time that difficult decisions have to be made.”
Perez’s Reaction
Perez was asked if he was worried that this year would be his last Mexican Grand Prix appearance, where he responded that he had “zero” worries that it would be.
“I’ll be here next year and I will try to go for the victory because that is my dream,” said Perez.
Who Will Replace Perez?
When Lawson replaced Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull’s sister team, VCARB, Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko indicated that an “evaluation” between Lawson and teammate Yuki Tsunoda would take place during the final six races of the season.
“Now is the time to make a comparison with Yuki. Who of the two is the fastest?” Marko told ORF.
With Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull appearing secure, Marko has indicated that he hopes the three-time world champion stays at the team, “ideally with someone from our junior program [next to him].”
After just two races, Lawson seems to be making an impression over Tsunoda.
The Kiwi finished in 9th position in Austin after starting 19th and drove a strong race in Mexico before damaging his front wing after a battle with Franco Colapinto.
In contrast, Tsunoda finished behind Lawson in Austin in 14th position and crashed out in lap one in Mexico, leading to his retirement from the race.
With four races left to go in the 2024 season, either Lawson or Tsunoda could replace Perez at the championship-winning team.
The Empty VCARB Seat
Naturally, either Lawson or Tsunoda leaving VCARB for Red Bull would result in an empty seat at the team.
With Perez unlikely to drive for the sister team if he were let go, it is likely that one of the Red Bull Academy Drivers would step up to the series.
FIA Formula 2 Championship contender Isack Hadjar and Super Formula driver Ayumu Iwasa are two likely candidates, both showing promising talent which could be an asset to VCARB’s future.
Featured Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
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