F1 Rumor: Sergio Perez Contract Exit Clause Could See This Driver Replace Him

Alex Harrington | Jul 5, 2024

May 5, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez (11) walks in the paddock before the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Red Bull Racing finds itself at a crossroads concerning one of its drivers as the F1 circus meets once again at the iconic Silverstone Circuit. Sergio Perez, who extended his stay with the team by signing a two-year deal before the Canadian Grand Prix, currently faces scrutiny over his performance. Now, while the tarmac is covered in British rain, whispers about a potential shake-up involving former driver and current RB driver Daniel Ricciardo replacing Perez have begun to echo through the paddock.

Perez's recent track record includes an underwhelming series of results such as two DNFs and modest finishes at the eighth and seventh places in the last race in Austria. These outcomes are not merely numbers on the scoreboard but serve as critical factors fueling speculation about his future with Red Bull Racing. Christian Horner, the Team Principal at Red Bull, has openly articulated his expectations, highlighting the necessity for Perez to improve on his performance to aid his teammate, Max Verstappen, in the intense competition against formidable teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

"We thought the contract would help. It's something Checo is working very hard on, and he knows. Look, this is a sport where there is no hiding. Particularly with Max Verstappen as your teammate, he knows he's being measured against the very best. We need him up there, supporting Max. There's two McLarens, two Ferraris, two Mercedes and we desperately need two Red Bulls," Horner elaborated.

The ripple effect of Perez's recent disappointments has stirred discussions about Daniel Ricciardo's potential return to Red Bull. Ricciardo, with a current tally of 11 points alongside Yuki Tsunoda at his team, trails Tsunoda's 19 points after ten races in the 2024 campaign. The Australian driver's season is equally pivotal, given the looming presence of rising star Liam Lawson, who is eyeing Ricciardo's seat with eager anticipation.

As Red Bull's dynamic within the Formula One ecosystem mandates strong performances from both drivers to effectively contend in the Constructors’ Championship, Perez plays an indispensable role. His position as a supportive driver to Verstappen is crucial, not only for strategic defence during races but also for accumulating essential points toward the championship.

As the season progresses, the narrative around the Mexican driver's tenure at Milton Keynes and Ricciardo's possible reinstatement will continue to evolve. As Red Bull contemplates a pivotal decision, the whole sport watches with bated breath.