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Martin Brundle Draws Parallels Between Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull Woes: ‘It’s Purgatory for Him’

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Martin Brundle Draws Parallels Between Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull Woes: ‘It’s Purgatory for Him’

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 05: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Visa Cash App RB and Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepare to take part in the Red Bull Unserious Race during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada on June 05, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202406080090 // Usage for editorial use only //

Sergio Perez’s turbulent stint at Red Bull may soon come to an unceremonious end, with the Mexican driver facing increasing uncertainty about his future with the Milton Keynes-based team. Former F1 driver and commentator Martin Brundle has weighed in, drawing comparisons between Perez’s current plight and Daniel Ricciardo’s infamous Red Bull exit.


A Familiar Red Bull Storyline

Red Bull’s history with drivers has often been marked by abrupt decisions and controversial exits. Ricciardo, once hailed as one of the grid’s brightest stars, saw his time with the team end without fanfare. He was overshadowed by the meteoric rise of Max Verstappen, leading to his departure in 2018. A similar narrative now looms over Sergio Perez, who, despite flashes of brilliance, has struggled to match Verstappen’s dominance and is reportedly on the chopping block.

Brundle empathized with Perez, describing the emotional toll of racing in Verstappen’s shadow.

“I feel the same way about Sergio as I did about Daniel Ricciardo, actually… He’s lost his mojo, he’s lost his way, and all the pressure that’s being heaped on him—it must be [difficult]. To turn up to the track every day must be painful,” Brundle remarked during a recent broadcast.


The Verstappen Effect: A Ruthless Benchmark

Racing alongside Max Verstappen, a two-time world champion and Red Bull’s undeniable focal point, has proven to be a daunting task. Perez began his Red Bull tenure on a high note, securing crucial wins and playing the perfect supporting role during Verstappen’s 2021 title campaign. However, as Verstappen’s dominance grew, Perez’s performances waned.

The pressure of consistently playing second fiddle has visibly weighed on the 34-year-old, leading to a string of underwhelming results in 2024. Red Bull’s expectations for its drivers to operate at the highest level—both as racers and team players—have only intensified the scrutiny on Perez.


“Purgatory” in the Red Bull Garage

Brundle highlighted the mental strain Perez must endure, suggesting that the Mexican driver likely feels trapped in an environment where he is no longer thriving.

“I’ll be slightly relieved when it’s over. It must be purgatory for him at the moment,” Brundle stated, acknowledging the emotional toll of facing constant criticism and unrelenting pressure.

With Red Bull’s notorious track record for handling underperforming drivers—having sidelined talents like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon—Perez’s future seems increasingly uncertain.


Rookies on the Rise: A Threat to Perez’s Seat

Adding to Perez’s woes is the emergence of promising rookies like Liam Lawson, who has made waves in his limited appearances for AlphaTauri. With Red Bull’s preference for nurturing young talent, Lawson’s rise poses a significant threat to Perez’s place in the team.

Perez himself has acknowledged the precariousness of his position, revealing that he plans to discuss his future with Red Bull in the coming days.

“But I’ll be slightly relieved when it’s over. It must be purgatory for him at the moment,” Brundle said of Perez’s difficult situation.

If Red Bull decides to part ways with Perez, his options for 2025 may be limited. With an influx of young drivers entering the market and established teams eyeing fresh talent, Perez risks being left without a seat.


What’s Next for Perez?

While Perez’s Red Bull career appears to be in jeopardy, his experience and racecraft could still make him an asset elsewhere on the grid. However, as Brundle noted, the challenge lies in finding a team willing to take a chance on him amidst the growing competition.

For now, the focus remains on Red Bull’s impending 2025 announcement, which could signal the end of Perez’s stint with the team. Whether he stays in Formula 1 or seeks opportunities elsewhere, Perez’s journey underscores the unforgiving nature of competing at the highest level.

As Brundle aptly put it, for Perez, the end of this chapter might bring a sense of relief—but also the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

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