Despite a truly horror season, Red Bull wants to hold on to Sergio Pérez in 2024. At least that’s what the Formula 1 racing team communicates publicly. But doubts remain. Ex-premier class driver Christijan Albers is one of those who are loudly calling for the Mexican to be replaced.
Although Sergio Pérez is driving what is proven to be the best Formula 1 car this season, the Mexican often follows the proverbial music. The criticism of Checo is getting louder from week to week. Ex-F1 driver Christijan Albers wonders why the Austrians haven’t pulled the emergency brake long ago.
“When you see how merciless [Christian] Horner and [Helmut] Marko with me [Nyck] De Vries, it really amazes me that they are keeping Pérez,” Albers said on the F1 podcast of the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
Ex-Formula 1 driver: Red Bull finds itself in need of explanation
The Red Bull bosses were significantly less lenient in De Vries’ case than in Pérez’s case. After just ten races he was kicked out of B-Team AlphaTauri because he didn’t meet expectations. However, the same applies to Pérez at Red Bull. Nevertheless, the 33-year-old is allowed to continue.
Although the Mexican has direct access to Verstappen’s data, he is “unable to improve and narrow the gap. The fact is that the gap is getting even bigger,” explained Albers, who believes that those responsible for Red Bull Sooner or later you will find yourself in need of explanation.
“At some point they’ll realize it [eine Weiterbeschäftigung von Pérez] is impossible to justify. This story will have to end somewhere,” said Albers, who is not alone in his opinion. Both the majority of fans and other experts have been calling for the Mexican to be replaced for several weeks.
The Red Bull bosses have not yet categorically ruled out a separation, but they always refer to Checo’s contract, which runs until the end of the 2024 season.