The issue of Red Bull’s second driver has been a long-standing topic. Sergio Perez’s lack of results in terms of points is now evident to all. The Mexican driver’s disastrous season effectively cost the team the constructors’ title, and he also incurred the highest damage costs of any driver. Although rumors persist that his car might differ from Max Verstappen’s, Perez’s poor form has lasted far too long. Despite his father’s belief in his abilities and Mexico’s push to keep him in Formula 1, this may not be enough.
In the recently concluded season, Sergio Perez scored 152 championship points, finishing eighth. Meanwhile, his teammate collected 437 points and won the title. Beyond this, the most serious issues include numerous crashes that cost $4.8 million and hindered the car’s development under the budget cap. Another worrying aspect is Sergio Perez’s repeated lapses in concentration. Examples include being overtaken by Franco Colapinto in the pit lane in Qatar, his error at the start of his home race in Mexico, and several others.
Christian Horner’s demands
As Red Bull heads into 2025 without certainty over their second driver, Horner has made the minimum requirements clear. Recent rumors suggest the Mexican is increasingly likely to leave Milton Keynes in 2025, potentially replaced by either Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda. The Red Bull Team Principal has invited Sergio Perez to reflect on his performance after the season, possibly aiming to have Perez decide to leave the team on his own. However, the current situation appears at a stalemate.
Christian Horner addressed the matter, stating: “I think it’s clear how important it is to have two drivers consistently scoring points in the constructors’ championship. Ferrari will be very strong with their drivers next year, McLaren already has excellent drivers, and Mercedes will have an inexperienced one. For us, it will be crucial to have both our drivers doing their jobs and ensuring there isn’t an excessive gap between them.”
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