Sergio Perez is under enormous pressure heading into his home race.
Christian Horner has urged Sergio Perez that he must ‘come into play’ in the remaining five races of the season after a disappointing performance at the United States Grand Prix last weekend.
The Mexican driver finished seventh at the Circuit of the Americas, trailing George Russell, who started in the pit lane. This was a catastrophic result for Red Bull, who are again under pressure from Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship after their season-opening one-two finish.
Perez is also under pressure. The six-time Grand Prix winner is committed for next season, but sources suggest he could be let go at the end of the year if his performances do not improve, while VCARB combo Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda continue to shine.
“Ferrari, congratulations to them,” Red Bull team principal Horner remarked during last weekend’s Austin race. They’ve been really strong, with two drivers competing at the front. McLaren, like its drivers, has a small gap between them. That’s where Checo can truly help us win the Constructors’ Championship.”
With Perez’s future undetermined, some speculate that the 34-year-old will declare his retirement from the sport this weekend in front of his loving home fans. However, the Red Bull driver insists that he intends to finish his career – and his present contract – in style.
“I had an opportunity, two opportunities, to change teams,” he told GQ before last weekend’s United States Grand Prix. “When I looked at it, I thought, I really enjoy the challenges I face at Red Bull.
“Being Max’s teammate is a tremendous challenge. It’s a challenge that will practically prepare you for anything. So I replied, “I want to spend the last part of my career at the top, where the pressure is on.” During difficult times, there is often much discussion.However, 90% of the grid would have preferred to have my career. When you’re a driver, all you think about is the next race—the next challenge, category, or contract. “It’s always about the next step,” he explains. “It is sometimes beneficial to take a step back and reflect on how far you have come. “It’s an extremely brutal sport.”
However, if Perez wants to go on his own terms, he will need a stronger home race than he had in 2023. Last year, he went three-wide into turn one and came out worse, with severe collision sending him flying and out of the Grand Prix on lap one.
Leave a Reply