Perez’s Red Bull Future Hangs in Balance, Warns Horner

Christian Horner hints at Perez’s uncertain future as Red Bull assesses the Mexican driver’s performance following another disappointing Formula 1 weekend.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner admitted they need to “look at the facts” concerning Sergio Perez’s position within the team amid another mediocre Formula 1 weekend in Brazil.

Perez arrived at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix hoping for a positive result after finishing last in his home race in Mexico the previous weekend.

Despite a strong comeback in the Sprint race to secure the final point, Perez delivered a lackluster performance in the main race, finishing 11th while Max Verstappen gave a masterclass to take victory.

The Mexican compromised his own race from the start with a spin exiting Turn 10 on the first lap, dropping his Red Bull to the back of the field.

“It was a tough race for Checo; an early spin sent him to the back of the pack. This weekend was a chance in the constructors’ championship to pull a lot of points back on Ferrari and McLaren.”

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize, which is obviously frustrating. But we’ll review this and come back hoping to fight in Vegas.”

Asked why Perez couldn’t mount a comeback like Verstappen, Horner replied, “I haven’t attended the debrief, I haven’t heard his feedback. But I didn’t see anything obvious in the race.”

Perez has contributed only 20 points across the seven races since the summer break, fewer than Verstappen’s total in Brazil alone.

With Red Bull currently third in the standings behind McLaren and Ferrari, Horner stated last weekend that “difficult decisions” would need to be made regarding Perez’s position.

Asked whether the time to make a driver change was approaching, Horner replied, “I think everything in life is subjective, and we need to look at the facts.”

“We’re working hard with Checo; he had a chassis change this weekend. I thought he had a good Sprint race, but in the main race, it wasn’t his day.”

“The facts? Sergio Perez is our current driver. Liam Lawson did a great job again, as did Yuki [Tsunoda]. But Liam, in particular, considering his experience.”