Red Bull Set to Make ‘Immediate’ Decision on Perez Replacement Following Mexican GP Performance

Red Bull Racing is reportedly close to making a decision regarding Sergio Perez’s future with the team after a challenging weekend at the Mexican Grand Prix. Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has suggested that Perez, who has struggled throughout the 2024 season, could face an immediate replacement, potentially even before the season’s end. The decision follows a string of underwhelming performances that have intensified questions surrounding his role within the reigning champion team.

Disappointing Home Race for Perez

Sergio Perez entered his home Grand Prix in Mexico with high hopes, but he faced significant setbacks from the start. After failing to advance beyond Q1, he started the race from 18th position, marking his fifth Q1 exit of the season. Though he initially demonstrated a strong drive, surging through the field at the start, his race momentum was short-lived. Perez’s positioning on the grid was deemed a false start by the stewards, and he received a five-second penalty, diminishing his chances of a meaningful result. Ultimately, Perez crossed the line last among the remaining runners, leaving fans and the team disappointed.

Red Bull’s Decline in Constructors’ Standings

Perez’s inability to consistently score points has impacted Red Bull’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship, where they now sit third, trailing behind rivals Ferrari and Mercedes. This decline has fueled Red Bull’s concerns about Perez’s capability to contribute competitively to their title defense. With the team’s performance at stake, Red Bull’s management is facing pressure to act quickly to restore their dominance in the field.

Liam Lawson as a Potential Replacement

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has emerged as a strong candidate to step in should Red Bull decide to part ways with Perez. Lawson’s performance this season, combined with his drive alongside Perez in Mexico, has showcased his potential. Schumacher, in an interview with Sky Germany, commented, “Next year, he won’t be driving a single metre in that car—I’m pretty sure of it.” He added that an immediate replacement for Perez may be in Red Bull’s best interest as they strive to stay competitive with Ferrari.

Schumacher’s Take on Perez’s Performance

Ralf Schumacher did not hold back in his assessment, stating, “It’s no longer making sense, for either side. Not for Perez, either. The poor guy is under so much pressure; he’s not going home with a smile on his face.” Schumacher underscored that the current situation is proving detrimental not only to Perez’s morale but also to Red Bull’s financial and competitive interests. “If they want to make a change to compete with Ferrari, they need to act fast,” he emphasized, suggesting that an in-season switch could be the solution.

Red Bull’s Next Steps

With Schumacher’s statements adding weight to the rumors, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that discussions about Perez’s future are indeed underway. Though Horner has acknowledged the “difficult decisions” the team is facing, no official announcement has yet been made. However, with Red Bull’s championship aspirations hanging in the balance, a swift and strategic decision regarding Perez’s replacement seems likely.

As the Formula 1 season moves forward, fans and analysts alike await Red Bull’s official statement on whether Sergio Perez will continue in his seat through the end of the season or if the team will make an immediate change in their driver lineup to reclaim the upper hand in the Constructors’ Championship.