Sergio Pérez was rarely able to hold a candle to his teammate Max Verstappen last season. There has to be more next year if the 33-year-old wants a new contract with Red Bull.
Team boss Christian Horner recently even used the review from “Sky Sports” to publicly give his pilot a warning shot.
“It’s his cockpit and only he can lose the cockpit. I think nothing is set in stone for 2025,” the Red Bull boss made an announcement to his driver. “We need him in top form for 24 races next year in order to score as many points and victories as possible.”
The fact that Horner is increasing the pressure on Pérez is obviously a calculation. Horner admitted that it was definitely his intention to tickle the veteran.
“Checo works best when he’s under pressure. I’ve experienced that the whole time he’s been with us,” indicated the 50-year-old.
Pérez ultimately comfortably achieved second place in the World Championship in the Formula 1 season finale. With 285 points, his gap to Verstappen (575 points) was quite considerable. Checo was only on the podium nine times – Verstappen meanwhile achieved 19 race victories.
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Especially in the second half of the year, he made far too many mistakes at Red Bull. During the season there were always rumors about the Mexican’s future.
With Daniel Ricciardo and replacement driver Liam Lawson, an established and a young alternative would be available should Pérez weaken again in 2024.
But Pérez also seems aware that he is under special observation. In an interview with “Motorsport.com” he recently emphasized that his goal was to achieve more consistency in his performance.
“I want to be able to achieve consistency and build a platform,” Pérez plans for the coming season.