The upcoming Brazilian GP has elevated importance for Sergio Perez, whose F1 future is on the line. Red Bull cannot guarantee Perez will stay in the team until the end of 2024, as team principal Christian Horner explains.
Sergio Perez on thin ice
This is not the first time that Sergio Perez’s future has dominated F1 news headlines.
Only a few months ago, the consensus in the paddock was that Ricciardo would replace Perez during the summer break.
Although Red Bull opted against this, their decision to put Liam Lawson at VCARB alongside Yuki Tsunoda was evidence of their fading confidence in Perez.
The situation has escalated in recent weeks, with Christian Horner speaking bluntly on this topic:
“He knows Formula 1 is a results-based business,” he told ESPN.
“And inevitably when you’re not delivering – then the spotlight is firmly on you.
“As a team, we need both cars scoring points, and that’s the nature of Formula 1.
“We’re working with him as hard as we can to try and support him. I think we’ve done everything that we can to support Checo.
“And we’ll continue to do so in Brazil next weekend. But there comes a point in time that you can only do so much.”
Red Bull considering alternatives
Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are the two obvious candidates that Red Bull can consider for a promotion.
Tsunoda’s performances since 2022 have been solid, with the Japanese driver holding his own against several teammates.
However, it is common knowledge that Christian Horner is not especially enthusiastic about the 24-year-old’s potential.
To make matters worse for the Japanese driver, his last two weekends have been very difficult.
On the other side of the garage, Liam Lawson has received far stronger indications that Red Bull are considering him to drive alongside Max Verstappen.
Then again, the Kiwi’s incident with Perez in Mexico was not taken well by the team. Whilst this clash will not completely ruin his chances, it certainly adds another variable to the equation.
Reports have circulated that Red Bull are interested in securing Franco Colapinto’s services. Colapinto himself denies these claims, admitting that he is unlikely to race in F1 next season.
With that said, Helmut Marko did not dismiss suggestions that Red Bull are interested in the Argentine.
Instead, the 81-year-old explained that Colapinto’s contract with Williams makes it difficult to sign him.
Regardless of whether Colapinto is a realistic prospect, the reality is that Sergio Perez is under increasing pressure. Red Bull are running out of patience, and Christian Horner’s comments are indicative of this.
The results from this weekend’s Brazilian GP are not to be underestimated. It is plausible that a good performance from Tsunoda or Lawson could tip the scales in their favour.
Although this weekend will not completely determine Red Bull’s decision, the Austrian team are not strangers to making knee-jerk decisions.
Under the current circumstances, nothing can be written off. Now more than ever, Sergio Perez will be under the microscope.
