Steiner, known for his blunt assessments, has openly criticized Red Bull’s decision to retain Perez for the season, especially after his disappointing P7 finish at the Belgian Grand Prix. Starting from second on the grid, Perez’s inability to convert his position into a stronger result has left many questioning whether Red Bull made the right call in extending his contract earlier this season.
The criticism is particularly biting considering Red Bull had several promising alternatives but chose to stick with Perez despite his inconsistent performances. With the Dutch Grand Prix on the horizon, Perez finds himself in a precarious position, needing to secure wins and podiums to solidify his place within the team.
Meanwhile, the spotlight is also on Yuki Tsunoda, whose performances for AlphaTauri have been steadily improving. Tsunoda, who has scored 22 points this season, has caught the attention of Red Bull executives, with RB CEO Oliver Bayer praising his development. Bayer has emphasized the importance of consistency for Tsunoda as he eyes a potential future promotion to the senior team.
As Red Bull grapples with Perez’s underperformance, the pressure is on both the Mexican driver to deliver and on Tsunoda to keep improving, potentially positioning himself as a viable replacement. The next few races could be critical in shaping Red Bull’s driver lineup moving forward.
Photo from Sergio Perez Instagram