The rumors about Sergio Pérez’s future at Red Bull have been a topic of conversation over the past few weeks, even after the confirmation of the two AlphaTauri drivers for 2024. The Mexican’s performance this year has been below expectations and there has even been speculation about his departure in exchange for Daniel Ricciardo if he doesn’t become vice-champion.
On the sidelines of the Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner made it clear that the plan is for Pérez to continue, stating as quoted by Motorsport.com:
“I am absolutely confident and clear that Checo will be our driver next year. If he were injured or something like that, there are circumstances beyond our control. But the clear plan, and therefore the clear intention, is for him to continue. We are planning to continue. We announced the AlphaTauri drivers, we have our Red Bull drivers. That’s how we intend to compete in 2024.”
Despite attempts to downplay the rumors, the British team principal did not hide the fact that the speculation had an impact on Pérez: “I’m sure it affected him. But I think what we’ve seen with him, and it’s one of his strengths, is that he has a very thick skin. He often gets knocked down, gets hurt, and gets back up. So hopefully he’ll do the same now.”
