Sergio Pérez’s Red Bull Future in Doubt After Another Disastrous Qualifying in Las Vegas

Sergio Pérez’s tenure at Red Bull has reached a critical point after another dismal performance during the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session. The Mexican driver failed to progress beyond Q1, finishing 16th on the grid—a position that seems unimaginable for a driver in a team that has dominated Formula 1 in recent years. This marks the sixth time this season Pérez has been eliminated in Q1, a statistic that underscores his struggles and raises serious questions about his future with the team.

Red Bull, led by Max Verstappen’s brilliance, has continued to excel at the top of the standings, with Verstappen locked in a battle for his fourth world championship. However, the disparity between Verstappen’s near-flawless performances and Pérez’s inconsistency has become increasingly glaring. While Verstappen has mastered the nuances of the RB20 and consistently delivered results, Pérez has struggled to adapt, citing fundamental issues with the car and a lack of grip as significant challenges.

This latest setback is not just a personal blow for Pérez but a critical issue for Red Bull. The team’s dominance in the Constructors’ Championship has been eroded, with Ferrari and McLaren now overtaking them. Red Bull has slipped to third place, and Pérez’s inability to contribute meaningfully to the team’s points tally since the summer break has left them vulnerable. His total of just 20 points during this period starkly contrasts Verstappen’s dominant performances, further intensifying scrutiny on his role within the team.

The fallout from Pérez’s poor form extends beyond the standings. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, was candid in his criticism of the Mexican driver following the Las Vegas qualifying session. Marko acknowledged that tire strategy may not have been optimal but placed the primary blame on Pérez’s inability to deliver. His blunt assessment reflects growing frustration within the Red Bull camp, where expectations are exceedingly high, and underperformance is not tolerated.

Christian Horner, the team’s principal, has also hinted at the precariousness of Pérez’s position. While Pérez is under contract until 2025, both Horner and Marko have suggested that all options are on the table. Red Bull has the flexibility to review their driver lineup before the start of the 2025 season, with emerging talents like Liam Lawson and even outside candidates such as Franco Colapinto being considered as potential replacements.

Pérez himself has attributed his struggles to challenges with the RB20’s setup, claiming that the car is not working in his favor and that efforts to fix these issues are ongoing. However, his inability to adapt quickly, combined with Verstappen’s mastery of the same machinery, has cast doubt on whether these challenges are purely technical or also psychological. The pressure of consistently underperforming compared to a dominant teammate appears to have taken a toll on Pérez’s confidence, leading to mistakes that only exacerbate the situation.

Red Bull’s immediate priority is to secure second place in the Constructors’ Championship, a task that now seems increasingly daunting. Pérez’s underwhelming contributions have left Verstappen as the team’s sole points scorer, a burden that even a driver of his caliber cannot sustain alone. The team’s long-term strategy, which includes staying competitive against resurgent rivals like McLaren and Ferrari, requires a strong and consistent second driver—qualities that Pérez has failed to demonstrate this season.

As the season nears its conclusion, the Las Vegas performance may serve as a defining moment in Pérez’s Red Bull career. The team’s decision on his future, expected after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will have significant implications for their 2025 campaign. Whether Red Bull opts to honor Pérez’s contract or pursue a new direction remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the team cannot afford to carry a driver who is not delivering at the highest level.

For Pérez, the final races of the season represent a last chance to prove his worth to the team and silence the critics. However, with each underwhelming performance, the likelihood of a change grows stronger. Red Bull’s legacy of dominance demands excellence, and the pressure is now firmly on Pérez to demonstrate he still belongs in one of the most coveted seats in Formula 1.