Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has been tight-lipped regarding the future of driver Sergio Perez following a disappointing performance at the Mexican Grand Prix. Perez, who struggled throughout the race weekend, failed to make it out of Q1, finishing in 17th place after enduring a challenging 70 laps. The pressure is mounting for both Perez and the team, especially as his performance comes during a crucial period in the F1 2024 season.
Horner noted that Perez’s weekend was subpar, confirming the driver’s own admission that his season has been “terrible.” The Mexican Grand Prix proved to be particularly difficult for him as he dealt with brake issues in his RB20 and ultimately received a penalty for a false start. Despite showing promise with a strong initial lap, a series of mistakes, including positioning his car incorrectly at the start, hampered his chances. Consequently, the team’s title aspirations suffered significantly, with Ferrari’s strong performance moving them ahead of Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.
In the aftermath of the race, Horner expressed concern over Red Bull’s dwindling chances of defending their title, calling the situation “very difficult.” He emphasized the need for both cars to score points and recognized the damage inflicted on Perez’s car during a battle with Liam Lawson, a potential replacement for Perez. This incident not only limited Perez’s ability to compete effectively but also intensified scrutiny surrounding his performance and future with the team.
Horner acknowledged the pressures of Formula 1, where results are paramount, and admitted that there is ongoing scrutiny of Perez’s performance. Despite a two-year contract extension earlier in the season, the situation remains precarious as Perez’s underperformance leaves him vulnerable to potential replacement. Horner reaffirmed the team’s commitment to supporting Perez, but hinted that there may come a time when difficult decisions need to be made, especially with Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda having disappointing races for their team, VCARB.
As Red Bull finds itself in third place in the Constructors’ Championship, Horner hinted that the next four races will be pivotal. The team is determined to regain their winning form, but the circumstances require careful consideration of Perez’s position. With the ongoing pressure to perform and the potential for replacements looming, both Horner and Perez are acutely aware that time is running out to turn the season around.