Ex-F1 driver warns Sergio Perez of facing similar fate to Daniel Ricciardo’s RB axe
David Coulthard believes Sergio Perez needs to perform well in the upcoming races if he wants to stay at Red Bull for 2025.
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Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)
On Thursday, Red Bull announced that Daniel Ricciardo would be replaced by Liam Lawson for the rest of the season. The Australian driver had one of the toughest seasons, prompting the team to consider the switch. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez also struggled with a series of poor performances in the 2024 season. Although rumors circulated about Checo getting sacked, the team ultimately decided to stick with the Mexican driver. Reflecting on this, former Red Bull driver David Coulthard suggested that Perez would face the same fate as Ricciardo if his form did not improve.
David Coulthard explained that Sergio Perez drove exceptionally well in the Azerbaijan GP, especially considering his recent form. However, he believes that Checo’s performance was likely a one-off. Coulthard noted that just because something positive happens once, it doesn’t guarantee it will continue.
He emphasized that multiple races exist in the season, and one good performance is insufficient to secure titles for the team. Additionally, The Briton highlighted that Perez is clearly the number two driver in the Milton Keynes team.
He did brilliantly in Baku, but one swallow doesn’t make a summer. One good result is not what you expect from your. He’s clearly the number two driver in that team.
David Coulthard said on Channel 4
Coulthard stated that if Perez doesn’t consistently perform and score points for the team in the next six rounds, his seat will be in danger. The Mexican driver could face a similar fate as Daniel Ricciardo, whom the team has replaced after the Singapore GP. To win more races, Red Bull cannot rely on Checo’s form to return, they will simply replace him if he continues to struggle. Therefore, the final six races will be a do-or-die situation for the 34-year-old if he wishes to continue racing in F1.
If he doesn’t keep getting some solid points in the remainder of the year, then, like Daniel Ricardo looks like he’s in the way out the door, that could be the same situation for Perez.
David Coulthard stated.
David Coulthard believes Singapore GP was a ‘reality check’ for Sergio Perez
David Coulthard expressed relief at Checo’s performance following the race in Baku. Despite his crash on the penultimate lap of the Azerbaijan GP, he delivered an exceptional drive, leading the team to hope he was back on track. However, the recent Singapore GP clearly demonstrated that his performance in Baku was merely a one-off. The Mexican’s tenth-place finish served as a reality check, indicating that Perez hadn’t improved. It also showed that his success in Baku arose more from luck than from consistent performance.
There was so much relief, I think, off the back of Baku. And then here it’s a bit back to reality.
David Coulthard expressed.
Therefore, even if Red Bull decides not to keep Checo for the 2025 season, the question arises who would be his potential replacement. Finding a right teammate to Max Verstappen is crucial as he is a strong competitor. Red Bull needs a driver who can match his pace and contribute positively to their overall performance.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)