Red Bull’s Driver Conundrum: Is It Time to Move On from Sergio Perez?

At the recent Mexican Grand Prix, Sergio Perez, racing on home turf, faced a catastrophic outing. With high hopes of a comeback, he instead spiraled into trouble right from the start. An early penalty threw him to the back of the grid, and his frustration seemed to peak with a near-collision involving Red Bull’s young rising star, Liam Lawson. Adding fuel to the fire, Lawson’s impressive performance — coupled with Perez’s consistent missteps — has left many questioning whether Red Bull should finally replace their so-called “PR Merchant.”

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s principal and Perez’s long-time defender, recently hinted at potential changes in the lineup, underscoring that Red Bull operates in a “performance-based business.” His comments carry serious weight, suggesting that Perez’s seat may indeed be at risk. Although Perez remains publicly confident, stating that he’ll be back next season, this latest incident has intensified speculation. Now, with Red Bull’s season drifting off track, Lawson has emerged as a prime candidate to take over — and it’s clear the battle between him and Perez has only just begun.

Perez’s performance in Mexico reflected an ongoing struggle. Plagued by braking issues in the RB20, he was locked out of Q2 and started the race in a disappointing P18, ultimately finishing in 17th. Frustrated fans and team members alike watched as Red Bull’s second driver continued to falter. Meanwhile, rising tensions with Lawson, whose aggressive on-track tactics have become evident, led Perez to openly criticize the rookie’s attitude, suggesting he lacks humility.

This intense rivalry has left Red Bull with a decision to make. With Daniel Ricciardo also in the mix, there’s a clear push to ensure Red Bull’s lineup supports their championship goals. Analysts like GP Fans Deputy Editor Dan Ripley suggest a bold move could bring Red Bull the stability they need. In his view, replacing Perez with someone capable of keeping pace with the best is the only way forward.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, too, endured a turbulent race in Mexico, racking up penalties after clashes with Lando Norris. In the aftermath, he acknowledged the RB20’s struggle with grip and pace, though he kept his focus on adapting rather than scrutinizing the officiating.

With the Brazilian Grand Prix approaching, all eyes are on Red Bull’s next move. While Lawson’s potential fills one path and Ricciardo’s experience offers another, the question lingers: can Red Bull continue with Perez, or is it finally time to shake up the team?