UNITED STATES: As Sergio Perez navigates a turbulent season with Red Bull Racing, former Formula 1 driver Jan Lammers has issued a stark warning regarding the fragility of contracts in the face of underperformance. While Perez holds a Red Bull contract for the 2024 F1 season, Lammers contends that contracts can quickly unravel when a driver’s performance falters, a situation he believes Perez currently finds himself in.
The 2023 season commenced on a high note for Sergio Perez, who clinched two Grand Prix victories in the initial four rounds, fueling aspirations of mounting a title challenge against teammate Max Verstappen, who secured the remaining two wins. However, Perez’s momentum took a nosedive from there.
With Verstappen surging ahead to secure his third World Championship title after a P2 finish in the Qatar sprint, Perez’s resurgence ground to a halt, leaving him in a precarious position.
Despite persistent speculations, Red Bull’s principal, Christian Horner, has steadfastly dismissed rumours of Sergio Perez’s premature departure from the team. Lammers, however, argue that a contract is no guarantee of stability when a driver fails to deliver on the track.
“Where there is no performance, contracts fall apart,” Lammers cautioned in an interview. “Perez has to perform well; otherwise, his seat will come under pressure. That’s more than justified.”
The looming question now is whether Red Bull will opt to replace Sergio Perez, and if so, with whom? Names in contention include Daniel Ricciardo, who could make a return to the Red Bull fold, and young talent Liam Lawson, who impressed during his stint at junior team AlphaTauri.
Lawson’s remarkable performance has put him on the radar, raising questions about whether Red Bull might face competition to retain him. Lammers remains optimistic, asserting that Red Bull likely has Lawson under a “watertight” contract. “Red Bull has all the means to keep their pupils safe,” he affirmed.
As Daniel Ricciardo prepares to re-enter the fray with AlphaTauri at the upcoming United States Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Verstappen, who aims to replicate his exceptional 2023 performance with a potential 15th victory. The uncertainty surrounding Sergio Perez’s future casts a shadow over Red Bull’s lineup for the 2024 season.
Also Read: McLaren Announces Bianca Bustamante as First Driver for 2024 F1 Women’s Series
