Sergio Perez is set to remain a Red Bull driver until at least the end of the 2024 season. Perez’s performance this season has been turbulent, initially showing promise as a reliable second driver but subsequently experiencing a decline. There were doubts about the team’s commitment to Perez, with concerns about attendance at the Mexican GP, but these concerns have been dismissed.
Red Bull had a strong qualifying session in Belgium, but their star driver, Max Verstappen, faced a grid penalty, putting the pressure on Sergio Perez for the race. Perez started on the front row but struggled to maintain his position against weaker cars and ultimately finished in seventh place. This was seen as a potential breaking point for Perez, but the team later confirmed their intention to keep him, a decision that was believed to be influenced by Liberty Media.
Helmut Marko, a key figure in the Red Bull hierarchy, denied any speculation about external influence and emphasized that the decision to retain Perez was made internally. Despite Perez’s relatively low points tally in recent races, his teammate Max Verstappen has been a top scorer. However, Red Bull is determined to regain their status as the fastest car on the grid and is eager to perform well at the upcoming Dutch GP, which is Verstappen’s home race.
Marko acknowledged that the Zandvoort track is challenging for overtaking, making qualifying crucial for a good result. He expressed confidence in Verstappen’s ability to navigate the track successfully and extend his lead in the championship. However, if Perez continues to struggle, Red Bull may risk losing valuable points. Therefore, the team will need to take action soon, as their rivals Mercedes and Ferrari are waiting for an opportunity to capitalize on any weaknesses.
Photo from Sergio Perez Instagram
