F1 pundit claims Sergio Perez’s Red Bull extension not ‘worth its paper’ if Daniel Ricciardo improves in 2025

F1 reporter Natalie Pinkham reckoned that Sergio Perez could be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo in the future.

F1 pundit claims Sergio Perez’s Red Bull extension not ‘worth its paper’ if Daniel Ricciardo improves in 2025

Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez (Images via IMAGO)

After an poor race in Montreal, Sergio Perez has been warned about emptying the Red Bull seat despite signing a new contract few weeks back. F1 Pitlane reporter Natalie Pinkham was surprised seeing Perez’s contract extension.

Pinkham compared Sergio Perez to Max Verstappen, how the 26-year-old manages to drive the car and complete race in his favor despite potential off track issues unlike Perez. The 46-year-old thought signing a new contract would calm Checo down and help him perform better. Unfortunately it didn’t happen during the race weekend.

It works for Max Verstappen. Perhaps there is stuff going on behind the scenes. Sergio is, no doubt, a great racer. He wasn't in Montreal that’s a shame because you’d think his confidence boost of signing a new contract would relax him.
Pinkham said on F1 Nations Podcast
YouTube video

Further the reporter questioned the Mexican’s value of contract if Daniel Ricciardo shows consistent improvements in his performance while Checo doesn’t. She doubt’s the contract would hold much significance in such case.

FS Video
If Daniel puts in regularly strong performances and Checo doesn’t - then are these contracts worth the paper they are written on? I doubt it.
Natalie Pinkham questioned

Natalie pinkham claims Perez is ‘at his best’ when relaxed.

Natalie Pinkham praised Perez for his talent of performing best when he’s calm and doesn’t have anything bothering him. When Sergio Perez is relaxed, he can perform at his highest level on the track, it’s about being in a right mindset where Checo can completely focus on racing.

Sergio, like most drivers, is at his best when relaxed, when he doesn’t have anything to worry about, he can just do it naturally.
Natalie Pinkham stated
Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)
Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Tom Clarkson while talking to Pinkham stated he will observe Perez’s progress in upcoming race events. He mentioned Perez had to struggle with the last three races. However he reckoned that this period matches with Red Bull’s least competitive performance of the year. This suggests Perez’s difficulties may be tied to the team’s poor performance in those races.

We will watch Perez’s progress carefully. The past three races have been difficult for him. But that does coincide with the Red Bulls’ least competitive performances of the year.
Tom Clarkson said to Natalie Pinkham

Overall, the situation for Sergio Perez might become worse. The Mexican driver could lose his seat to Daniel Ricciardo if he fails to perform better in further races. As far as Fans, they would love Perez along with Verstappen on the podium and contributing points to the team to lead in constructors championship.

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