F1 superstar could be next for the AXE after Daniel Ricciardo.

F1 superstar could be next for the AXE after Daniel Ricciardo. Read More..

Sergio Perez has found himself in the spotlight as his future with Red Bull Racing comes under scrutiny. The concern over his position follows Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from the Red Bull setup, now being replaced by Liam Lawson at Visa Cash App RB. Perez, despite signing a new deal with Red Bull, is facing pressure after a prolonged slump in performance. His struggles have sparked speculation, with former F1 driver David Coulthard suggesting Perez could face a similar fate to Ricciardo if his form doesn’t improve over the remaining races this season.

The Singapore Grand Prix brought further attention to Perez’s situation. He finished 10th, a stark contrast to teammate Max Verstappen, who placed much higher. Perez had shown some promise earlier in the season, particularly at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he was in contention for a podium finish before a late-race collision with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz ended his chances. That race, though unfortunate, provided a glimpse of his capabilities, but he has since struggled to replicate similar form. Coulthard, speaking on Channel 4 after the Singapore race, pointed out that while Perez had a strong performance in Baku, one good race is not enough to secure a long-term future with a top team like Red Bull.

Perez’s current podium drought spans 13 races, with his last top-three finish coming much earlier in the season. This performance decline is significant, especially in a team as competitive as Red Bull, where consistency and podium finishes are expected. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner had dismissed rumors of any mid-season driver changes, reaffirming the team’s commitment to its current lineup during the summer break. However, as the pressure mounts on Perez, questions are being raised about whether he can maintain his place in the team beyond this season.

Daniel Ricciardo, who previously raced for Red Bull and made a surprise comeback in 2023, was recently replaced by Lawson following his own struggles in 2024. Coulthard drew parallels between Ricciardo’s situation and Perez’s current form, warning that if Perez does not start securing strong results in the remaining six races of the year, he too could be shown the door.

Coulthard was clear in his assessment: “He did brilliantly in Baku, but one good result is not enough. You expect more from the number two driver in a top team like Red Bull.” He stressed the importance of consistency in a sport as cutthroat as Formula 1, particularly at Red Bull, where Verstappen has consistently dominated the field. Coulthard’s comments reflect a broader sentiment in the F1 community that Perez needs to turn his season around quickly to secure his future.

With only six races left in the 2024 season, Perez finds himself in a critical period. His performance in these final races could determine his future with the team, especially as Red Bull continues to chase championship victories. If he fails to deliver, Perez may find himself in a position similar to Ricciardo, whose time with the team ended abruptly after struggling to meet expectations.

In a highly competitive environment like Formula 1, where even the smallest drop in performance can lead to big changes, Perez’s future hangs in the balance. His next few races could be pivotal in shaping his career trajectory, either solidifying his place at Red Bull or pushing him closer to the exit.