F1 SACK NEWS: Sergio Perez's Red Bull Career in JEOPARDY as he..

Sergio Perez’s Red Bull Career in Jeopardy as Team Drops to 3rd in Constructors’ Championship

Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull Racing is in serious doubt as speculation mounts over his potential departure before the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season. The Mexican driver, under increasing scrutiny after a series of underwhelming performances, faces uncertain prospects after Red Bull fell to third in the Constructors’ Championship (WCC), trailing behind Ferrari and McLaren. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has refrained from giving assurances regarding Perez’s position, intensifying rumors of an impending driver shakeup.

Following a disappointing Mexican Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen could only manage a sixth-place finish and Perez ended up at the back of the pack, Red Bull finds itself 54 points behind leaders McLaren and 25 points behind Ferrari. This is a significant fall for the reigning Constructors’ champions, who had started the season strongly but now face an uphill battle to regain their dominant position.

After the race, when questioned about Perez’s performance and the team’s plans for their driver lineup moving forward, Horner provided a response that fueled speculation about Perez’s future. Speaking to the press, including Sportskeeda, Horner stated, “Look, it’s a performance-based business. There comes a point in time when difficult decisions have to be made.” While Horner did not directly address whether Perez would be replaced, his remarks have left many believing that a change may be on the horizon.

The Mexican Grand Prix offered an opportunity for Red Bull to close the gap on their rivals, especially given McLaren’s setbacks. Oscar Piastri had a difficult qualifying session, placing only 17th on the grid for the main race. However, Perez could not capitalize on this, qualifying 18th, just one spot behind Piastri. While the McLaren driver made significant progress during the race to finish in eighth, Perez struggled throughout the event and ultimately finished last, dealing a blow to Red Bull’s title hopes.

Perez’s inconsistent performances this season have been a source of concern for Red Bull. His qualifying struggles and inability to match his teammate Verstappen’s level of consistency have raised questions about his long-term viability with the team. The Mexican driver’s home race in Mexico was supposed to be a chance for redemption, but it only intensified the pressure surrounding his position.

With Perez’s future at Red Bull uncertain, rumors about who might replace him have gained momentum. One of the most talked-about candidates is Yuki Tsunoda, who currently races for Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri. Tsunoda’s performances have been steadily improving, and many believe he could be a suitable partner for Verstappen in 2025. Additionally, another name being circulated is that of Liam Lawson, the young New Zealander who has impressed during his appearances in Formula 1. Lawson’s aggressive driving style and rapid adaptation to the top tier of motorsport have earned him recognition as a potential candidate to race for Red Bull.

There are also whispers of Franco Colapinto being considered for a spot alongside Tsunoda at AlphaTauri, further fueling speculation that Red Bull is eyeing a major reshuffle in their driver lineup.

During the Mexican Grand Prix, tensions between Perez and Lawson were on full display when the two engaged in a heated battle for position. Their on-track clash saw them make contact, resulting in damage to both cars. Perez was left with a hole in his car’s bodywork, which severely impacted his race. The Mexican driver expressed frustration after the race, calling out Lawson for what he perceived as a lack of respect towards veteran drivers in Formula 1.

Speaking to reporters, Perez remarked, “I think he could have avoided the incident but he just went back. Luckily I saw him and opened the room. Otherwise, it would have been a massive crash. There was no need, he damaged both of our races.” Perez also noted that Lawson had previously been involved in incidents with Fernando Alonso and Franco Colapinto without facing penalties, adding to his frustrations.

Despite pitting late in the race in an attempt to claim the fastest lap, Perez’s efforts were in vain, with Charles Leclerc securing the bonus point. The race ended in disappointment for the home crowd as Perez finished last, further complicating his position within the Red Bull team.

As speculation continues to swirl around Perez’s future, Red Bull is left to weigh its options as they try to regain ground in the Constructors’ Championship. Whether Perez will remain with the team for the remainder of the season remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting as Red Bull explores potential replacements.