Christian Horner gives a MAJOR update on Sergio Perez’s contract extension amid Daniel Ricciardo rumors

Sergio Perez has been struggling to match his early-season prowess and is at a risk of losing his seat to Daniel Ricciardo.

Christian Horner (Left), Sergio Perez (Centre) and Daniel Ricciardo (Right) (All images via: The Mirror)

Sergio Perez‘s future with Red Bull has recently been the subject of speculation, with whispers circulating about a potential lineup change once his contract ends in 2024. The signing of Daniel Ricciardo to AlphaTauri fueled these suspicions even more, raising fears about Ricciardo hunting Perez’s seat. Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has now stated that Sergio Perez is not forgotten.

Soon after, the British GP, Daniel Ricciardo, replaced Nyck De Vries at AlphaTauri ahead of the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix. The decision was based on Ricciardo’s experience as a driver, which was seen as crucial in aiding the team’s growth. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s racing advisor, cited De Vries’s inability to showcase enough promise as the reason for his replacement.

While Ricciardo has been gunning for the coveted seat at Red Bull Racing for 2025, Christian Horner clarifies that Sergio Perez’s place with the team is outside jeopardy. Horner stated, “Ricciardo’s ‘golden objective’ is to replace Perez in a year and a half.” Still, Perez is unfazed by these rumors, asserting that he remains focused on his current performance and is not looking too far ahead.

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Sergio Perez, who joined Red Bull Racing in 2021, had a strong start to the 2023 season, winning two races and establishing himself as a legitimate title candidate. However, his form has dipped in recent races, with dismal results and troubles in qualifying. Despite this, Horner respects Perez’s worth and praises his contributions to the squad, saying, “He’s the only other driver to have won a race this year in the two Grand Prixs that he’s won, so nobody is writing off Checo.”

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Christian Horner wants Sergio Perez to fire his cylinders on Saturdays

Sergio Perez and Christian Horner (Credits: Planet F1)

Red Bull has been the dominant force this season, winning every race thus far. The current championship leader and defending champion, Max Verstappen, has won 8 races, with Perez winning two. But, he has failed to qualify into the top ten for the last six races, and Horner acknowledges it and wants him “firing all his cylinders on Saturdays.”

Daniel Ricciardo’s journey to challenge Perez for the coveted second Red Bull seat began when he moved from McLaren to Red Bull as their third driver. Subsequently, he seized the opportunity to drive for AlphaTauri, positioning himself as a potential contender for Perez’s spot in the team.

"He's the only other driver to have won a race this year in the two Grand Prixs that he’s won, so nobody is writing off Checo.
— RBR News ???? (@redbulletin) July 22, 2023

As the season progresses, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on both Perez and Ricciardo, with Red Bull and fans eagerly observing their performances on the track. While Ricciardo aims to impress the team with his skills and experience, Perez is determined to reclaim his earlier form and consolidate his position as a vital asset to Red Bull Racing.