Source – Formula1.com
When the Formula 1 season returns to Zandvoort following the summer break, Red Bull will stick with Sergio Perez and field identical lineups in both their works team and sister squad RB.
Red Bull Racing has recently confirmed its decision to stick with Sergio Perez despite his challenging season, a move that highlights the intricate dynamics and strategic calculations within the team. Perez’s form has been under intense scrutiny, especially given the performance gap with his teammate, championship leader Max Verstappen. Currently, Perez trails Verstappen by 146 points, a stark indicator of his struggles. His last podium finish was back in the fifth race of the season in China, and since then, his average race result has been a disappointing eighth place.
This performance slump has allowed competitors to close the gap in the constructors’ championship. McLaren is now within 42 points of Red Bull, with Ferrari trailing by just 21 points further. Red Bull boss Christian Horner has previously described Perez’s form as “unsustainable,” a sentiment echoed by Red Bull Motorsport Adviser Helmut Marko. Despite these concerns, the decision has been made to retain the current driver lineup, both for Red Bull and its sister team.
A Red Bull spokesperson confirmed that the driver rosters would remain unchanged following the summer break. The decision to stick with Perez is driven by a belief that the team can still help him find his rhythm and comfort with the car, enabling him to extract its full potential. The team remembers his capabilities well, as he finished a career-best second in the drivers’ standings last season. However, they now need that form to be consistent.
In the coming weeks and months, Red Bull will be focusing on strategies to support Perez and ensure he can perform at his best. The team is optimistic that the tracks after the summer break will play to Perez’s strengths. Last season, he finished fourth in the Netherlands, second in Italy, and clinched victory in Baku. This favorable track record fuels Red Bull’s hope that Perez can turn his season around.
Moreover, this scenario provides an opportunity for other drivers within the Red Bull family, like Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, to further prove their worth. Ricciardo has shown glimpses of his old form but still lacks consistency. Tsunoda, on the other hand, is enjoying his strongest season yet, although he has not yet convinced Red Bull that he is ready to step up to the main team.
For reserve driver Liam Lawson, the situation is particularly frustrating. Despite being highly rated by Red Bull and impressing both on and off the track, Lawson finds himself waiting for an opportunity. He will get another chance to showcase his talent when he drives a 2022-spec AlphaTauri at Imola as part of a filming day. While this is not a direct test of his speed or a shoot-out, every positive performance helps strengthen his case for a future spot on the team.
For now, Red Bull remains committed to their current lineup. If Perez can rediscover his form, the questions about his future will diminish. However, in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, continued struggles will keep the pressure on. Red Bull’s decision to stick with Perez is a calculated gamble, one that hinges on his ability to bounce back and deliver consistent performances. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Perez to see if he can rise to the challenge and reaffirm his place within the team.
