Red Bull's Quiet Monday Move: No Details Shared

Perez will race an older RB20 at Spa, confident despite Red Bull’s secretive Monday plans.

Sergio Perez will continue to use an older version of the Red Bull RB20 than his teammate at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

Red Bull unveiled a significant upgrade for their RB20 at the Hungaroring last week. Perez did not receive the full upgrade, including the redesigned engine cover, which lacks the distinctive ‘cannon’ shape.

However, the team has indicated that it will only use parts of its new design on high-downforce circuits, as opposed to Spa-Francorchamps, where they are competing this weekend.

“I feel confident, I feel committed. I will be a bit behind in terms of developments, with a specification lagging behind Max, which I hope will not be too penalizing. But I am sure to find my pace from Hungary.”

For Perez, the key issue is to silence his critics at Spa and convince his bosses not to sideline him during the summer break.

What was discussed in the meetings after the last Grand Prix?

“The only discussions that took place were about how to get back on track, working with the engineers, working with the whole team. We all want to get back in shape from my side of the garage as we have the biggest challenge we’ve had in a while: winning the highly competitive constructors’ championship.”

“At the moment, it is becoming more and more difficult, especially with McLaren. These are the main discussions we have had, the rest about my future is just pure speculation.”

Dr. Helmut Marko has, however, mentioned an evaluation procedure that will take place as soon as Monday in Milton Keynes. All drivers will be reviewed to see if changes need to be made in the pairings for the return.

“I have nothing to say about that and no further comments to make about my future. I have not discussed this particular point with Marko. As I said, I feel that the whole team is fully focused on getting back on track, on getting our season back on track. And the rest is just pure speculation. For me, it is no different from what happened in Hungary or Bahrain or what it will be in Zandvoort or the rest of the year.”

Perez was asked if he was “100% sure” that this weekend’s race would not be his last for Red Bull.

“Yes, that’s correct. I know what’s in my contract. I know the team has confidence in me. I know where the main goal is, which is to perform on the track.”

“I’m not worried about that. As I said, I know where I stand. That’s not my concern. My only concern is to get my season back on track. For the rest, I am quite serene.”