Red Bull Racing finds itself in a precarious position in the Constructors’ Championship, having recently fallen behind Ferrari by an estimated $8 million in earnings and 25 points after the Mexican Grand Prix. Amid this, Ralf Schumacher has publicly suggested that Red Bull should part ways with Sergio Perez, potentially even before the season’s end.
Schumacher’s comments come after a difficult season for Perez, marked by inconsistent performance and frustration, especially in Mexico, where his low 18th-place qualifying result left him far from contention at his home race. Despite his hopes, Perez’s race was further marred by an incident with Liam Lawson, damaging his car and resulting in a disappointing 17th-place finish.
Perez’s struggles in Mexico reflect his ongoing battle with the RB20, as he has frequently cited issues with the car’s brakes and overall handling. His inability to perform at a high level has only intensified speculation about his future, especially after his Q1 exit and underwhelming race-day performance. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, defended Perez’s Mexican GP showing, attributing his poor finish to significant downforce loss.
However, Schumacher maintains that Red Bull must consider replacing Perez for both the team’s and Perez’s own sake. He implies that the partnership no longer serves either party well and that Perez’s lackluster performance is costing Red Bull valuable Constructors’ Championship points and financial gains.
Schumacher went as far as to suggest that Perez might not even make it to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, highlighting that a change could occur imminently. He argued that Perez’s continued struggles and the intense pressure have turned his role at Red Bull into an unenjoyable experience, detracting from the fun and competitive spirit of racing.
Additionally, Schumacher underscored the financial implications for Red Bull, stating that to regain their standing over Ferrari, the team may need to act swiftly, potentially bringing in a driver who can help secure podium finishes in the final races.
However, Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, has countered these claims, affirming Perez’s contract through 2025 and reiterating the team’s commitment to supporting him through this challenging season. Speaking to the media, Horner maintained that Perez remains motivated and competitive, albeit frustrated with his current form. He conveyed that Red Bull is doing everything possible to help Perez overcome his performance issues. Horner’s statements suggest that, at least publicly, Red Bull is not yet ready to consider drastic changes mid-season.
Backing up Horner’s defense, Carlos Slim Jr., representing Perez’s key sponsor Telmex, dismissed the speculation over Perez’s future. Slim reaffirmed Perez’s commitment to Red Bull, stating that both the driver and Horner have confirmed his position with the team.
Slim’s comments highlight the financial backing Perez brings, an asset that might factor into Red Bull’s calculations as they assess the merits of retaining him despite the challenging season. Ultimately, while Schumacher may advocate for Perez’s exit, Red Bull’s official stance suggests they are willing to support him for the remainder of the season and potentially beyond.