Situation in Formula 1 - Bosses make it clear: Pérez is under pressure at Red Bull
Sergio Pérez is under close scrutiny at Red Bull. The Formula-1 Vice World Champion from Mexico has been in a slump since the British Grand Prix on Sunday (16.00 hours MESZ/Sky).
He went off the track in the first qualifying session and got stuck in the gravel. "It was a stupid mistake," Pérez admitted, finishing 19th. "Everything comes together," said Red Bull's motor racing advisor Helmut Marko at the pay-TV station Sky.
Horner on Pérez's blunder: Not what we can afford right now
An apology could be made that Pérez was the first driver to go out on slicks in the wet. In addition, he was unlucky to get the rear wheels into the wet.
"He's under pressure. You can see it in all his gestures," Marko commented. But that doesn't help him get out of the slump. "Nobody will be more disappointed than he himself," team boss Christian Horner said: "That's obviously not what we can afford right now."
Early in June, Red Bull extended Pérez's contract from Guadalajara until the end of 2026. "And since he signed the contract, there have been a few races that haven't been great," Marko noted. "Of course, it's performance-based, and no one is exempt."
What's happening at sister team AlphaTauri?
The Constructors' Championship, in which the results of both drivers count, is very important for them, Marko emphasized: "Because the bonuses paid to the employees depend on the position in the Constructors' Championship."
Personnel changes could be in store for AlphaTauri, which could have implications for Red Bull. We will analyze the entire situation in the summer break in August and take necessary steps, Marko said. "It's clear to our shareholders that AlphaTauri is a junior team."
Recent media reports have suggested that the 36-year-old Daniel Ricciardo might take Pérez's place next year to make room for the New Zealander Liam Lawson (22) alongside the Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda (24). Whether Lawson is a candidate for the seat alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull remains open.
- Despite his contract extension until 2026, Sergio Perez has been struggling since the Formula 1 GP in Great Britain on Sunday, as mentioned by Red Bull's motor racing advisor, Helmut Marko, on Sky.
- Perez's performance in the British Grand Prix was subpar, as he finished 19th after going off the track during the first qualifying session and getting stuck in the gravel, admitting it was a "stupid mistake."
- Christian Horner, team boss at Red Bull, said Perez is under pressure and expressed disappointment due to the current situation, adding that it's not what they can afford right now.
- Following Perez's blunder in the wet, there were reports of his being the first driver to use slicks, which some believe could have played a part in his mishap.
- The slump in form has been a concern for Red Bull, as the Constructors' Championship results significantly impact the bonuses paid to the team's employees.
- As a result, Helmut Marko hinted at potential personnel changes at sister team AlphaTauri, which could have repercussions for Red Bull, and the team will analyze the situation in summer break to take necessary steps.
- Media speculation suggests that Daniel Ricciardo might replace Perez at Red Bull next year, potentially making room for Liam Lawson to join Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull or AlphaTauri based on his performance.
