Red Bull Racing Confident in Sergio Perez, Despite Monaco Struggles
As the Formula 1 calendar reaches its midpoint, Red Bull Racing’s Christian Horner has reaffirmed the team’s confidence in Sergio Perez, despite a difficult weekend in Monaco that saw the Mexican driver crash out on lap one. Perez’s struggles have led some to question whether Red Bull should look elsewhere for a teammate to Max Verstappen next year, but sources close to the situation insist that the team believes Perez is the best candidate available.
The Mexican driver’s pace has been inconsistent, and he was outqualified by his teammate in Monaco, starting 18th on the grid. However, his experience and ability to extract the best from the car on certain weekends make him a valuable asset to the team. Moreover, Perez’s easy-going nature ensures a comfortable working environment for Verstappen, which is essential for the team’s success.
“This weekend’s been pretty brutal for him,” Horner said. “Obviously, we need to make sure that we have got both cars up there scoring points, because we cannot dismiss the threat of Ferrari and McLaren in both championships.”
When asked if Perez’s recent struggles would impact the timing of a decision for next year, Horner replied, “Not really. I think that it’s more our timing. [We] will make a decision in the fullness of time.” Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko hinted that a decision could be made by the Spanish GP, saying, “I think by Barcelona we should have a clear picture. I would say we should have a clear idea ourselves by then.”
Marko also suggested that Perez is in a strong position to retain his seat, saying, “He is in a good position. I wouldn’t say pole-position, but he is in a good position.” This would have significant implications for the wider driver market, particularly for Carlos Sainz, who is currently weighing his options between Sauber and Williams.
Sainz’s decision will likely depend on his short-term goals, with Williams offering a more competitive package in the immediate future. However, a move to Sauber would bring the advantage of driving for a works team and potentially benefiting from Audi’s significant investment in the F1 project.
As the Formula 1 season continues, the driver market is expected to heat up, with several key players waiting in the wings. Red Bull’s decision on Perez’s future will be a crucial factor in shaping the landscape, and it remains to be seen whether the Mexican driver can rediscover his early-season form and secure his place alongside Verstappen for 2024.
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