Sergio Perez Sacked: Verstappen Defends Former Teammate....

Sergio Perez Sacked: Verstappen Defends Former Teammate….read more

The aftermath of Red Bull Racing’s disappointing 2024 Formula 1 season has led to the departure of six-time Grand Prix winner Sergio Perez from the team. Despite a surprising third-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, Max Verstappen has come to Perez’s defense, attributing the team’s struggles to the inconsistent performance of the RB20 car rather than any shortcomings on Perez’s part.

Entering the 2024 season, Red Bull was widely regarded as the favorite, having previously dominated the early years of the ground-effect regulations. However, the RB20 car turned out to be problematic, particularly for Perez. While Verstappen managed to adapt and achieve a commendable 437 points, Perez faced significant challenges, finishing with only 152 points, well below expectations.

The fundamental design flaws of the RB20 created difficulties for both drivers. Verstappen’s adaptable driving style allowed him to extract a certain level of performance from the car, but its rigidity and unpredictability hindered Perez’s ability to excel. Verstappen criticized the team’s delayed response in addressing these issues, suggesting that quicker adjustments might have improved Perez’s performance during the season.

With Perez now out of the picture, Red Bull has placed its trust in 22-year-old Liam Lawson, who steps into one of the most scrutinized roles in Formula 1. Lawson’s promotion comes with high expectations, as he must partner with Verstappen while also managing the challenges posed by the RB21, a car that may still carry some of the deficiencies of its predecessor.

While Lawson arrives with considerable hype, questions loom regarding his ability to handle the pressure of racing alongside Verstappen, known for his dominance, and within a team notorious for its demanding treatment of second drivers. The 2025 season marks a fresh chapter for Red Bull, but it comes with increased scrutiny. After a season where the car struggled for consistency, the team must work diligently to provide both Verstappen and Lawson with a more competitive vehicle. For Lawson, the