Does Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez still have to worry about his cockpit at Red Bull? According to a media report, expulsion of the 33-year-old Mexican is not yet off the table. Three successor candidates are being traded, even if one of them is said to be unrealistic.
As the Catalan online newspaper “El Nacional” reports, despite his second place in the Drivers’ World Championship behind teammate Max Verstappen, Perez still cannot be sure that he will be able to drive the dominant car around the racing circuits of the premier class of motorsport in 2024.
There is talk that Red Bull is still disappointed with Perez and is considering the possibility of entrusting another driver with the second car alongside Verstappen next season.
If the thumb goes down for Perez, promoting Daniel Ricciardo would be the most obvious step for the Austrian-British racing team. The 34-year-old currently drives for the junior team AlphaTauri. A change within the Red Bull cosmos would be possible without any problems.
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Option number two could be Oscar Piastri. The young Australian had a very strong debut season in the McLaren, but is only number two behind Lando Norris. However, his contract with the eight-time constructors’ world champion runs until 2026.
If it were according to the wishes of those responsible for Red Bull, writes “El Nacional”, a completely different driver would come along anyway; Formula 1 veteran Fernando Alonso, who is currently under contract with Aston Martin.
The signing of the now 42-year-old is described as an “impossible dream”. Alonso wants to stay at Aston Martin. There is also speculation that Verstappen does not want a second alpha animal next to him and would therefore be reluctant to sign the 2005 and 2006 Formula 1 world champion if the worst came to the worst.
The Red Bull bosses have recently publicly supported Perez anyway. He was “bad-mouthed,” said motorsports director Halmut Marko on “OE24”. “He’s a top driver.”