In the lead-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez faces the challenge of matching Max Verstappen’s achievements at Red Bull while also finding added motivation with Daniel Ricciardo‘s F1 return.
A former Red Bull junior driver has voiced his opinion, stating that he believes his old employers “have the right” to consider axing Sergio Perez if he doesn’t swiftly improve his results. The comments come as Perez faces mounting pressure to match the success of his teammate, Max Verstappen, and contribute significantly to Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship bid.
Ex-Red Bull driver thinks Red Bull has the right to sack Sergio Perez
Former F1 racer Jaime Alguersuari has first-hand experience with the intense pressure and expectations that come with being part of the Red Bull young driver programme. After graduating from the programme, he went on to race for Toro Rosso from 2009 to 2011, competing in 46 races and earning 31 points during his tenure. However, despite his achievements, he was eventually replaced and faced challenges in his Formula 1 career.
The former F1 driver still keeps a close eye on F1 and is unimpressed with Perez’s performance, stating: “We have to be clear that Checo was never in the junior team. If he was, considering how Helmut Marko judges drivers, he would not have lasted a year,” he told the Sky Sports F1 podcast.
“You have a winning car and have to use it. I know people will think, ‘What are you saying, your best place was seventh?’ I didn’t have a chance to drive a winning car and I’m just saying your first rival is your team-mate. It’s not acceptable that Perez is always half a second or seven-tenths slower.
“If your team-mate is winning all the races, you have to at least be on the podium, not on your best day being on the podium. You have to be closer otherwise they have the right to replace you. There are many drivers on the grid that could definitely be much closer to Max.”
Red Bull boss reveals Ricciardo’s golden objective
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that it is evident Daniel Ricciardo’s “golden objective” is to replace Sergio Perez in a year-and-a-half from now. Daniel Ricciardo has replaced Nyck de Vries at Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri, and is set to make his Formula 1 comeback at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Sergio Perez is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2024, and there are no indications that he will be replaced before that time.
As for Daniel Ricciardo, his deal with AlphaTauri is set to cover the remainder of the 2023 season. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has hinted that Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull is part of a more extended plan, suggesting that the Australian driver has committed to a longer-term endeavour with the team.
According to Christian Horner’s recent statement on the F1 Nation podcast, Daniel Ricciardo’s deal with AlphaTauri is currently set until the end of the season. As of now, there are no plans or expectations beyond that timeframe.
“At the moment there’s only something in place until the end of the season,” Horner said.
He further added: “So there’s no thoughts or expectations beyond that. We’ve loaned him to AlphaTauri to the end of the year. Obviously our drivers are going to be Max and Checo again next year. But it’s always good to have talent in reserve.
“I think Daniel is viewing AlphaTauri… he firmly wants to be pitching for that 2025 Red Bull seat. That’s his golden objective. And by going to AlphaTauri, I think he sees that as his best route of stating his case for 2025.”
Red Bull’s primary drivers for next year are confirmed to be Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. However, having Ricciardo at AlphaTauri allows the team to have talented drivers in reserve, providing them with options and flexibility for the future.
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