Red Bull sets a showdown between Lawson and Ricciardo, with Perez’s future hanging in the balance, unfolding this week.
Sergio Perez has revitalised his bid to retain his precarious seat at Red Bull with a strong qualifying performance at Spa-Francorchamps, while Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson are set to be tested on the track this Wednesday.
“It’s truly encouraging that Checo has markedly improved,” stated Dr. Helmut Marko, team consultant, on Saturday, ahead of pivotal meetings regarding potential driver reshuffles within Red Bull’s two Formula 1 teams this Monday, as the summer break looms.
“Due to the grid penalty (for Max Verstappen), he starts from the front row, and suddenly everything looks much better.”
However, the risk remains that Red Bull could sideline Perez in favour of the constructors’ championship—preceding a crucial head-to-head test next week.
Trials will take place Wednesday at Imola, where a ‘filming day’ for the junior RB F1 team will see Yuki Tsunoda take the helm of the 2024 F1 car (limited to 200 kilometers).
Yet Liam Lawson will not be the sole participant testing an older F1 model. The New Zealander and Daniel Ricciardo will both drive a 2022 F1 car, in a direct and unrestricted mileage comparison.
Yuki Tsunoda will not pilot this former AlphaTauri; the Japanese driver does not appear to be considered as Perez’s replacement. It is also possible that Lawson might simply replace Ricciardo, with Perez retaining his seat. At this stage, all scenarios remain on the table.
Marko concedes that Perez’s commendable qualification at Spa is not enough to secure his future.
“It’s tough to hold on with the few points he’s scored. We need to consider the best solution for the constructors’ championship.”
“Sergio is aware that for the constructors’ championship, we need both cars ahead of McLaren if possible, and this has not been the case in recent races.”
“The aim is to clinch both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, and we will discuss the best approach to achieving this on Monday.”
“At Spa, he was present in all sessions, so that was also fantastic. I hope this continues in the race. He’s ahead of both McLarens, so if he can finish ahead of them, that would be very, very good.”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added regarding Perez: “He knows he needs a strong result this Sunday.”
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