F1 News: Former Driver Hits Out At Sergio Perez - “Not Like He Is Exactly At A Very High Level”

Former Ferrari driver René Arnoux has critiqued Sergio Perez's current form in Red Bull.

Oracle Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is interviewed in the paddock area at Circuit of Americas on / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

Former Ferrari driver René Arnoux critiqued Sergio Perez's performance relative to his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, suggesting the Mexican driver is lagging behind in terms of performance.

Key Takeaways:

• René Arnoux criticised Sergio Perez for not maintaining a high performance level, especially when compared to his teammate Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.
• Arnoux praised Ferrari's performance in Australia, highlighting Carlos Sainz's exceptional drive but pointed out Perez's tendency to "disappear" during races.
• The former driver expressed his desire for a genuine competition in F1, irrespective of the internal dynamics at Red Bull, and hinted at Ferrari's potential advantage due to Perez's current form.

Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen, left, talks to Sergio Perez, right, after the Sprint / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

Reflecting on the recent Australian Grand Prix, Arnoux lauded Ferrari's performance, singling out Carlos Sainz for his flawless execution on the track just two weeks after surgery for appendicitis. The Maranello-based squad was competitive in both the qualifying rounds and the main race. Despite Max Verstappen's retirement due to a technical issue, Ferrari's robust showing was commendable, with Arnoux affirming to La Gazzetta dello Sport, "[Ferrari] had a great race, Sainz was really perfect in how and how decisive he was. And in general, the car was competitive both in qualifying and in the race."

However, Arnoux's observations weren't all praises. The focus shifted when he discussed Red Bull's current standing, particularly the performance disparity between Perez and his teammate Verstappen.

“Of course, we missed Verstappen because of a technical problem, but Ferrari was good to be there, they made the most of the weekend.

“After all, we knew from the first GP that the car is much better than the one from 2023. It’s much closer to Red Bull, we had full confirmation of that in Australia. Not quite at Red Bull’s level yet, but almost.

“But then it’s also true that Red Bull only has one car in front. Because Perez is a number 2, sometimes 3. He often disappears.”

Nov 15, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. of Spain during media / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

When asked where he hopes Ferrari will end up in the 2024 Constructors' Championship, Arnoux expressed a clear desire for the sport to rise above the ongoing internal controversies and focus on the racing:

“Then I’m with Ferrari and for Ferrari, but first of all I hope that this story of sex and intrigue at Red Bull is over: I want to see a real duel, I’m not interested in seeing Ferrari win because of that sort of thing.

“On the contrary, I really like the fact that for a while now at every race it has almost always managed to take a few tenths off the pace.

“I hope it can play for the Constructors’, that’s for sure, also because it’s not like Perez is exactly at a very high level.

“In fact, I’d say that if he doesn’t cause any major trouble, Ferrari almost has a better chance than Red Bull.”

The comments on Perez are particularly timely given the swirling rumours about his future with Red Bull. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, and with Carlos Sainz's impressive streak - being the only non-Red Bull driver to clinch a win in 2023 and 2024 - speculation is rife about a potential shake-up in team lineups.