Pierre Waché is probing whether Red Bull’s updates are behind Sergio Pérez’s recent struggles.
In just six races, Sergio Pérez has amassed a mere 15 points—remarkably less than Nico Hülkenberg’s total from just the last two Grands Prix, where he scored 16 points.
Understandably, this puts Checo under intense scrutiny, and perhaps even on the verge of an exit. Speculation about his replacement by Daniel Ricciardo or Yuki Tsunoda is rife in the Hungaroring paddock, with murmurs of a change post-summer break or even next season.
Pierre Waché, Red Bull’s Technical Director, has not directly addressed Pérez’s future, a topic outside his direct remit.
However, Waché must discern why the Red Bull car has been such an ill fit for Pérez across several recent Grands Prix. What’s at fault? Is it Checo’s driving style? Who bears the brunt of the blame—the team or the driver?
“If I knew, I would rectify it! But it’s tough to pinpoint,” Waché admits. “Partly, it’s on us, that’s certain. And that’s what we need to address to help him unlock the car’s potential.”
“He shares his feedback with us. We receive data. We’re trying to assist him. And it’s not just about considering his in-car sensations.”
“Sometimes, luck isn’t on his side, as we’ve seen in some qualifiers, and that can skew the overall race outcome. But yes, we are working to improve his results before the break.”
Could there also be a mental block for Sergio Pérez? A lack of confidence in the car?
“It’s hard to say—I’m not the driver, but it seems that the car’s response isn’t to his liking. That’s something we need to address from our end.”
Since Imola, Pérez’s performances have dramatically declined: is this directly linked to developments that didn’t suit Checo? Has something fundamentally changed in the RB20 that has significantly disrupted Pérez?
“Yes, that’s our suspicion,” continues Waché.
“It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly which area of the car is the issue. Certainly, the more we push the car’s development, the more delicate a Formula 1 car’s behavior can become, as seen with others.”
But Waché concedes: Red Bull currently does not know why Pérez is performing so poorly.
“I’m not exactly sure where the problem lies for him compared to Max. But it’s clear that enhancing the car’s stability for both drivers would help.”
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Red Bull Changes Cause Pérez’s Downfall? Red Bull Changes Cause Pérez’s Downfall?
