Sergio Perez will have the chance to prove he deserves his Red Bull seat.
But boss Christian Horner also warned the 33-year-old that the team was “in a position of luxury” by having many viable replacements for him. The pressure is on Perez as he prepares for the final season of his current contract.
There remain significant doubts about whether Red Bull will offer him another. Despite having the fastest car on the grid in the 2023 campaign and completing second place behind team-mate Max Verstappen, Perez has worked to triumph in this position with a series of disappointing results. .
It didn’t cost the team much last year as they headed for Constructors’ Championship glory. But if their rivals are fighting harder this year, they’ll want any of their drivers to be at their best.
Red Bull already have viable replacements on the books, with Daniel Ricciardo keen to take back his old seat and AlphaTauri team-mate Yuki Tsunoda also keen to run himself. Reserve driver Liam Lawson would have compatibility without a problem if one of them was given the spot. promotion I dreamed of.
And the team isn’t limited to those who already have a contract. Most outside applicants will likely be willing to sign for the team that has dominated the Formula 1 world lately, with drivers such as McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Speaking to Speedcafe, team principal Horner insists that Perez will have the chance to deliver the functionality and effects expected of him, but he also knows that there will be many more fish in the sea if things don’t go this way. shape.
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“We’re in a luxury position where there’s a lot of people who need to be sitting in this car,” he said. “We just have to evaluate what’s most productive for the team. “
“It is Checo’s seat that must be lost. He is the one who occupies that seat and a lot will depend on how next season goes. But we do not lack ability within the organization and, obviously, outside the organization, there have been significant changes” . interest too. “
Horner’s position and influence over Red Bull’s sister force him to keep a close eye on the AlphaTauri pair vying for promotion. Regarding Ricciardo and Tsunoda, he added: “They’re both in a formula where we can clearly see what they’re doing. It’s up to them to show us that they want to be taken into consideration. “
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