A missed opportunity: in the 2024 Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix, unusual weather conditions mixed things up, creating chances for teams that, in “dry” conditions, might have been destined for a weekend of struggle. This was the case, with the exception of Alpine, for Red Bull, which, starting with the goal of damage limitation, ended up – thanks to a superb Max Verstappen – experiencing a dream weekend. Christian Horner can smile, but not too widely: while the drivers’ championship is now secure, on the constructors’ front, Red Bull missed a golden opportunity in Brazil, partly due to Checo Perez, who is now far from any Top 5 battle.
The Mexican driver’s biggest achievement in Brazil was an eighth place with a fastest lap during Saturday’s Sprint, hardly a result worth celebrating. During Sunday’s Grand Prix, Checo finished in the same position he started, eleventh. Once again, Red Bull finds itself with a team split in two, where alongside a soon-to-be four-time world champion is a driver who hasn’t entered the Top 5 since Miami.
Sergio Perez Doesn’t Help Red Bull: “What a Lost Opportunity in Brazil”
Red Bull’s leadership continues to express faith in Sergio Perez, but that trust seems increasingly shaky. Even Horner, despite trying to ease the criticism toward his driver, let his disappointment show. “It was a chance to cut a significant amount of points from Ferrari and McLaren in the constructors’ championship. Unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on it,” Horner explained after the race in Brazil.
“We’re working hard with Checo. Last weekend he had a chassis change,” the team principal explained, while denying any technical problems with Sergio Perez’s car. “There was nothing evident on his car during the race.” – the Austrian concluded at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend in Sao Paulo at the Interlagos circuit.
Leave a Reply