Sergio Perez is at risk of losing his Red Bull seat, with the 34-year-old failing to perform at the required level . Despite recently extending his contract with the Austrian team, Perez’s results have put his position under threat. If there is no significant improvement before the summer break, Red Bull will consider alternatives.
Red Bull unhappy with Perez’s performance Driving alongside Max Verstappen is no easy task, as many of the Dutchman’s teammates have learned. However, the leeway that Red Bull has afforded Perez because of Verstappen’s calibre is not limitless. Perez has only scored 11 points in the last five rounds, a tally comparable to other drivers in the midfield.
In fact, Nico Hulkenberg – performing as well as anyone in the midfield – has scored 18 points in the same period. It goes without saying that Red Bull did not expect Perez to be outscored by a Haas when they extended his deal. There has been plenty of speculation about the 6-time race winner’s contract having performance clauses that, in theory, could see him replaced this summer.
In typical fashion, Helmut Marko spoke bluntly about Perez’s contract: “All Formula 1 contracts have exit clauses, most of them related to performance – or let’s say for the top driers,” he told Grandprix 247. “As I mentioned before, we will have an evaluation during the summer break – and then we will make a decision.” The saving grace for Sergio Perez, as opposed to his performance, could be.
