Martin Brundle believes the final races of this Formula 1 season will be “critical” for Sergio Perez’s long career at Red Bull.
The Mexican rider is about to complete his third full season with the team. In that time, he won five races and stood on the podium several times, but vastly outpaced teammate Max Verstappen over the course of the three campaigns.
This year, like Verstappen, he has a car that has swept the competition. But unlike the Dutchman, Perez moved into a dominant position in the championship and came into the United States Grand Prix weekend just 30 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
His form in recent weeks has been worrying, with just five problems taken from the three race weekends leading up to Austin. This has given rise to many hypotheses about his long history with the team.
Perez has a contract with Red Bull for 2024, but the team has never hesitated to update the driver’s record if it deems it necessary. Sky Sports F1 expert Brundle believes the final weeks of this season will mark the 33-year-old’s long career with the team.
He said: “Red Bull can’t take a passenger until 2024 if it’s not fit, and I can’t believe Sergio won’t drive it either, to be fair [if he did]. So the next few races are very important for his head and for Red Bull to be convinced that they haven’t lost their way and that they can do it.
“Sergio Perez and Red Bull need exactly the same thing: they need him to get back into shape. And, if he can’t beat Max, let him at least offer some moments and take second place in the world championship. “
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Sport, team principal Christian Horner said the idea of replacing Perez at the end of this season had not even crossed his mind. He said: “This is not something we have discussed or even considered. Checo is our driving force and we need to do it in the most productive way possible. “
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“We believe he can get to second in the championship, but he has to face tough competition with many races still to go. We decided on Checo in the top position because of his delight and ability to handle the pressure. He did a lot for us in 2021 and 22, contributing to the constructors’ championship last year and this year with the wins he achieved.
“We know what he is capable of and we haven’t noticed it in the last two races. We need to help him to make sure he gets back to his early season form. It’s a tough season and it’s tough being Max’s team. . Mate, we’ll have than not facing the challenge that is mental.
“We know what Checo is capable of and we know that qualifying tends to be his weakness, but when he races, he comes alive on a Sunday afternoon. He’s proven that time and time again. We’ve had six one-twos. “He finishes this year, has won two Grands Prix and remains second in the world championship with a 30-point lead over Lewis Hamilton. It wasn’t all bad!”
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