SUZUKA, JAPAN – APRIL 6: Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Mexico’s Sergio Perez and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the pit lane during qualifying ahead of the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix at Suzuka International Racing Circuit on April 6, 2024, in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Perez’s contract with the dominant Formula 1 champions is set to expire at the end of the season, and the 34-year-old driver faces an uncertain future. However, he has significantly improved his performance this season.
Former Force India, Aston Martin, and Alpine team principal Szafnauer told reporters that ‘Checo’ would be his preferred choice. He had previously mentioned this at a recent F1 event in Abu Dhabi. Szafnauer stated: “Knowing Checo as well as I do, I would replace Checo with Checo. If I were Christian [Horner], I would still keep him there for next year.”
Szafnauer acknowledged that Perez has had some tough moments in his career but highlighted his impressive performance this year. He believes Perez has done well, except for a few races where he could have finished higher.
Perez currently sits in second place in the standings after five races, securing three second places and one third place. He will return to Miami this weekend, where he secured pole position last year and finished as runner-up behind Verstappen.
Perez spent seven seasons with the Force India/Racing Point team, now known as Aston Martin, before joining Red Bull in 2021. He has been Verstappen’s longest-serving teammate, surpassing names like Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, Daniel Kvyat, and Alex Albon in a shorter period of time.
Verstappen, whose future is also the subject of speculation with Mercedes’ interest, won 19 out of 22 races last year and has already claimed four victories in five races this season. Szafnauer said: “Max is simply better.”
Szafnauer emphasized that Perez may not shine in qualifying, but his strength lies in his racing ability. He rarely makes mistakes during overtaking maneuvers. Szafnauer only recalled one incident in Singapore, where Perez got frustrated and collided with a Williams car. However, overall, Perez is highly skilled at overtaking without errors.
Szafnauer recalled the times when Perez competed against Nico Hulkenberg, noting that Hulkenberg often outpaced Perez in a single lap. However, Perez’s ability to manage his tires allowed him to regain his position by the end of the race.
It is worth mentioning that Hulkenberg, who is 36 years old and two years older than Perez, has several more seasons ahead of him. He was announced as a driver for Sauber in 2025 and will join Audi in 2026.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, will be 40 years old when he joins Ferrari from Mercedes next season. Two-time Aston Martin champion Fernando Alonso is currently 42 years old. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin)
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