Sergio Pérez’s tenure at Red Bull Racing has been a subject of both praise and scrutiny, especially in light of the Mexican driver’s performance over the past seasons.
On the one hand, Pérez has undoubtedly brought valuable contributions to the team, showcasing moments of brilliance and helping secure vital points for the constructor’s championship. On the other hand, there have been occasional dips in form that have raised questions about his long-term future with the team. In evaluating whether Pérez has “saved” his place at Red Bull, it is essential to assess his performance within the larger context of Red Bull’s needs, expectations, and the shifting dynamics of Formula 1.
One of the key reasons Pérez has managed to maintain his seat at Red Bull, despite occasional struggles, is his importance to the team in terms of overall strategy and support for teammate Max Verstappen. While Verstappen is the undisputed leader of the team and consistently competes for race wins, Pérez plays a crucial role in ensuring Red Bull remains competitive in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. His ability to secure valuable points, even when he is not necessarily fighting for victories, has helped Red Bull establish dominance in recent seasons.
Pérez’s role as a “second driver” has also been pivotal in key race scenarios. His ability to provide strategic support during races—whether by blocking competitors, helping Verstappen by defending position, or making tactical decisions to help the team—is something that cannot be understated. This became evident in several 2023 races, where Pérez, despite not always being in the limelight, helped Red Bull achieve important 1-2 finishes, ensuring their stronghold in the Constructors’ Championship.
Additionally, Pérez has demonstrated exceptional racecraft on occasion. His victory at the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix was a standout moment, highlighting his skill in difficult conditions and his ability to capitalize on mistakes by other drivers. Similarly, his impressive performances in street races like Azerbaijan and Singapore have showcased his adaptability and ability to extract performance when other circuits might pose challenges to the car setup or conditions.
From a technical perspective, Pérez has helped Red Bull gather valuable data, contributing to the development of the car. His feedback has often been seen as critical in fine-tuning setups that complement Verstappen’s driving style, ensuring that the car is competitive across a range of tracks.
Despite these positive aspects, there have been recurring criticisms of Pérez’s performances, particularly his struggles to match Verstappen on a consistent basis. The 2023 season, in particular, saw the Mexican driver suffer from a series of disappointing results that have sparked discussions about his future at Red Bull.
One of the main criticisms is Pérez’s inability to consistently challenge for race wins, especially given the dominance of the Red Bull car. While Verstappen has turned the RB19 into a near-unbeatable machine, Pérez has struggled to extract the same level of performance from the car on a regular basis. This was particularly evident in the latter half of the 2023 season, where Pérez found himself distanced by Verstappen in qualifying and race results. On circuits where the car should have been dominant, Pérez was frequently unable to compete for the win, often finishing behind not just Verstappen but other drivers.
This inconsistency has been a particular problem for Red Bull, a team that thrives on performance and results at the very top. When Verstappen is able to win races and secure large points, having a consistent second driver who can also compete at the front is essential for securing the Constructors’ Championship. On many occasions, Pérez has found himself outside of the top 5, which puts additional pressure on Verstappen to deliver perfect performances. In situations like this, it’s easy to see why some have questioned Pérez’s position at Red Bull, especially with the rise of other potential candidates.
Another issue has been his qualifying performances. While Pérez has often been competitive in the race itself, his performances in qualifying have been a point of contention. In comparison to Verstappen, Pérez has been inconsistent in terms of setting fast times in qualifying, which leaves him at a disadvantage come race day. The ability to start at the front is crucial in Formula 1, particularly for a team like Red Bull, which often has the fastest car on the grid. If Pérez cannot consistently put himself in a strong position during qualifying, it puts extra pressure on his race-day performance to recover.
For Red Bull, the decision to keep Pérez hinges not just on his individual performance but also on the broader team strategy. Red Bull has a proven formula: a dominant car (the RB19) and a driver who can extract performance from it. Verstappen’s dominance means that Red Bull does not need two drivers who can win every race, but they do need a reliable second driver who can help the team maintain its competitive edge.
Pérez provides a strong support to Verstappen, even if he isn’t always in contention for victories. His role in securing podiums, battling for points, and providing strategic assistance cannot be underestimated. Moreover, the team’s management is clearly aware of Pérez’s strengths, particularly in races where tactical decisions are critical, and he is well-regarded as a dependable driver for these situations.
However, Red Bull will also be mindful of emerging talents within the F1 paddock. The likes of Daniel Ricciardo, a former Red Bull driver, and others from teams like Ferrari and Mercedes may be eyeing an opportunity with the dominant team. Red Bull will need to weigh whether Pérez’s occasional inconsistency outweighs the stability he provides.
As of now, Sergio Pérez’s position at Red Bull is relatively secure, but his future depends on the team’s evolving expectations and his ability to deliver more consistently. While Pérez has demonstrated moments of brilliance, the critical question is whether he can rise to the challenge and reduce the inconsistencies that have held him back. If Pérez can start matching Verstappen’s pace more regularly, continue to secure podiums, and improve his qualifying performances, he may well solidify his place at Red Bull. However, should the inconsistencies persist, Red Bull may look for a more competitive option to support Verstappen in their pursuit of continued dominance.