Sergio Perez holds on to his “permanent spot” at Red Bull: “He’s like a cat with twenty-five lives”

Sergio Perez’s situation at Red Bull is one of the hottest topics in F1. The Mexican driver has a contract already signed for 2025, but his performances have not been satisfactory, and Red Bull in Milton Keynes is reportedly considering replacing him.

It seemed like a done deal during the summer break, but then Checo was reconfirmed. However, the second half of the season has not gone any better, and now, in the standings, the Red Bull driver is closer to the last place than to the first, which is occupied by his teammate Max Verstappen.

For weeks, names like Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson have been mentioned as potential replacements for next year. However, in recent days, a new rumor has surfaced suggesting that the Mexican no longer has special clauses in his contract. This, along with the influence and money of his sponsors, might allow him to stay in the car next year.

Sergio Perez never gives up

Jeroen Bleekemolen, a Dutch driver who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Jos Verstappen in LMP2 in 2008, also commented on Perez’s situation at Red Bull.

“He’s like a cat with twenty-five lives, not nine. He always manages to get back in the game,” he explained in an interview with GPBlog. “Let’s not forget his journey from last to first place during the 2020 Bahrain GP with Racing Point. Despite starting last, he won that race by maintaining an incredibly high pace without the help of a Safety Car.”

“To think he doesn’t know how to drive is absurd because he’s truly a very skilled driver.”

The challenge of being Max Verstappen’s teammate

Continuing his analysis, Bleekemolen highlighted how challenging it is to race alongside a driver like Max Verstappen.

“You find yourself doing things you normally wouldn’t do and attempting maneuvers you’d never have thought of trying. It takes a certain level of self-confidence, but when you suddenly lose four or five tenths, as a driver, you start losing your mind.”

“Maybe, for a while, he was mentally overwhelmed by this situation,” the Dutchman concluded. “Of course, they could have replaced him earlier, but it’s a tough decision. Anyone who partners with Verstappen won’t have an easy life.”