Red Bull’s Controversial Decision to Retain Sergio Perez
Red Bull’s decision to re-sign Sergio Perez for another two seasons has sparked debate among Formula 1 enthusiasts. While Perez is a popular figure with a strong racing background, his performances alongside Max Verstappen have raised concerns about his ability to keep up with the top drivers. As the 2024 Formula 1 season progresses, Red Bull’s decision to retain Perez could prove costly in the constructors’ championship.
From a neutral fan’s perspective, it’s essential to have the best drivers competing at the front of the grid. This creates more excitement and competition, ultimately benefiting the sport as a whole. Red Bull, in particular, has had a dominant car since the introduction of ground effect rules in 2022, but with Ferrari closing the gap in the constructors’ standings, the team may need to reassess its strategy.
Perez’s supertimes matrix performance this season has been underwhelming, with a significant gap to Verstappen. While it’s true that Verstappen is an exceptional driver, Perez’s consistency in being outpaced by his teammate is a concern. The Mexican driver’s raw speed has been consistently behind Verstappen’s, with an average gap of 0.7% in 2021, 0.545% in 2022, and 0.761% in 2023.
In terms of scoring points, Perez has struggled to match Verstappen’s tally. He scored 48% of Verstappen’s total in 2021, improved to 67% in 2022, but fell to 50% last year. Currently, he’s on 63% of Verstappen’s points. This raises questions about his ability to support Verstappen in the constructors’ championship.
“Red Bull’s junior program has produced talented drivers, but none have been able to fill the void left by Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018. The team may need to explore other options, such as Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, or even left-field choices like Yuki Tsunoda or Esteban Ocon.”
Keeping Verstappen happy is crucial for Red Bull, but relying solely on him may not be enough to guarantee constructors’ championship success. If Verstappen were to leave, could Perez lead the team to victory? Given his current form, it’s unlikely.
Red Bull’s decision to retain Perez may prove costly in the long run. The team needs to ensure it has a strong second driver to support Verstappen and secure constructors’ championship points. As the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolds, Red Bull’s strategy will be under scrutiny. Will they be able to maintain their dominance, or will their decision to retain Perez prove to be a mistake?
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