Sergio Perez’s future at Red Bull Racing is increasingly uncertain despite his existing contract for 2024, with mounting speculation that the team could replace him. Following a series of underwhelming performances, including a disappointing showing at his home race in Mexico, Perez has been under heavy scrutiny. This has fueled rumors that Red Bull might be considering other drivers for his seat as they aim to secure the strongest lineup alongside Max Verstappen. However, Perez’s camp, led by his manager Julian Jakobi, believes that his contract is “watertight,” suggesting confidence that Perez will remain with Red Bull next season.
Damon Hill, 1996 Formula One World Champion, spoke on the topic during a Sky Sports F1 podcast, mentioning a recent conversation he had with Jakobi. According to Hill, Perez’s team feels assured about the strength of his contract, giving the impression that Perez’s exit is not a straightforward decision for Red Bull. Nonetheless, Hill raised concerns about Perez’s recent performances, questioning why the Mexican driver has been so far off Verstappen’s pace. Hill expressed confusion over whether Perez’s struggles stem from issues in his mindset or challenges within the team environment.
Hill went on to explain that drivers occasionally fall out of form, which can lead to a cycle of performance issues and escalating pressure within the team. He sympathized with Perez, acknowledging how tough it is for a driver when their form wanes and performance doesn’t meet expectations, especially in a high-stakes team like Red Bull. According to Hill, these challenges are even harder to manage if the team’s focus isn’t on resolving the driver’s issues, as larger priorities often take precedence, intensifying the driver’s challenges and compounding frustration.
Looking ahead, Hill speculated about Red Bull’s possible moves should they decide to replace Perez. He mentioned that being Max Verstappen’s teammate is a challenging role, suggesting that the team needs a driver who can support Verstappen without disrupting team harmony. Hill named rising talents like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda as potential contenders, though he questioned if Lawson was ready for such a demanding position. Hill noted Lawson’s recent strong performances as a promising sign but pointed out that the young driver has already made some on-track rivals, including Perez, which could add another layer of tension.
Ultimately, Hill’s insights reflect both the complexities of Red Bull’s decision and the unique challenges facing Perez. While Perez’s team remains confident in his contractual security, Hill highlighted that Red Bull may still seek a change if his performance doesn’t improve. Whoever fills the role, balancing Verstappen’s ambitions with team dynamics will be crucial. Hill’s analysis underscores the high-stakes environment at Red Bull, where strong contracts and competitive performances often collide, creating a tense atmosphere for drivers like Perez.