In a move that’s left the Formula 1 world buzzing, Red Bull has made the shocking decision to retain Sergio Perez for the remainder of the 2024 season despite his lackluster performance. The reasons behind this decision might surprise you, but one thing is clear: it’s not just about Perez’s future—it’s about protecting Max Verstappen at all costs.
Perez’s Plummet: From Promising Start to Mid-Season Mediocrity
Sergio Perez started the 2024 season with promise, bagging four podium finishes within the first five races. But as the season progressed, the Mexican driver’s form took a nosedive, leading to a total of zero wins and a dismal seventh place in the Driver’s standings. With just 131 points under his belt—less than half of Verstappen’s 277—Perez’s performance has become a glaring issue for Red Bull.
The moment that put Perez’s future into question came during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa. Starting in a prime position on the grid, second, Perez was expected to capitalize on Verstappen’s poor starting position of 11th. However, the reality was starkly different—Perez not only failed to win but was outperformed by his Dutch teammate, who surged past him based on sheer skill and car control.
Red Bull’s Delicate Balancing Act: Keeping Verstappen Happy
Faced with Perez’s underperformance, Red Bull’s top brass, including Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, engaged in intense discussions in London about whether to replace Perez mid-season. The decision could have gone either way, but ultimately, they chose stability over change. The reason? Max Verstappen’s comfort and focus.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s golden boy, has been unstoppable since joining the team in 2016. He’s seen off multiple teammates, including big names like Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon, and emerged as the clear number one driver. But keeping Verstappen in that top spot requires more than just a fast car; it requires a teammate who won’t challenge him or disrupt the delicate team dynamics.
F1 journalist Brandon Sutton sheds light on this strategy: “Perez is no threat to Verstappen, and that works to Red Bull’s advantage. The team is laser-focused on securing the Constructors’ Championship, and having Perez, who knows the team and its intricacies, even if he’s not at his peak, is less of a gamble than bringing in a new driver who could upset the balance.”
The Risks of a Mid-Season Driver Swap
Swapping out a driver mid-season is a risky maneuver that can backfire spectacularly. Sutton highlights the potential pitfalls of such a decision: “Throwing someone like Yuki Tsunoda or even Daniel Ricciardo into the mix now would be a massive risk. Tsunoda has never driven a Red Bull, and Ricciardo is a shadow of his former self. Red Bull could end up destabilizing their entire campaign.”
Moreover, Verstappen’s confidence and mental state are paramount to Red Bull’s success. With the pressure mounting and Red Bull’s 2024 season facing unexpected challenges, the last thing the team wants is to introduce an element of uncertainty. “It’s a very sensitive time for Verstappen based on everything that’s gone on at Red Bull this year. Bringing in a driver who could challenge him, even slightly, might unsettle him further,” Sutton added.
Verstappen’s Dominance: A Tale of Two Drivers
Since joining Red Bull, Verstappen has had to contend with four different teammates, but none have managed to match his pace consistently. Daniel Ricciardo was the only driver who posed a real threat, finishing ahead of Verstappen in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. However, since then, it’s been Verstappen’s show all the way.
Perez, who joined Red Bull in 2021, was expected to bring experience and stability to the team, but the relentless pressure of being Verstappen’s teammate has taken its toll. As motorsport analyst Chris Dickinson noted, “Being Verstappen’s teammate is the hardest job in motorsport. If you’re not in that elite tier of drivers, you’re going to be worn down over time, and that’s exactly what’s happening with Perez.”
The Future: What’s Next for Perez and Red Bull?
As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Perez. Can he recover from this slump, or will his performances continue to spiral downwards? For now, Red Bull is sticking with him, but the decision to keep Perez on board is as much about protecting Verstappen’s dominance as it is about Perez’s contributions.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, Red Bull has made their choice clear: stability over risk, Verstappen over all else. Whether this decision will pay off or lead to further complications remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Perez is on thin ice, and the world is watching.
Photo from Sergio Perez Instagram
