Mexican GP organizers insist Red Bull ousting ‘superhero’ Sergio Perez won’t affect the race’s F1 future

He's our superhero said the track's managing director.

Mexican GP organizers insist Red Bull ousting ‘superhero’ Sergio Perez won’t affect the race’s F1 future

Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez returned to the F1 calendar after the Mexican Sergio Perez marked his way into Formula One after a 12-year hiatus. Perez enjoys racing in his own country for his fans, especially after last year’s podium. Perez’s last year podium on the Mexican GP labeled him as the first and only Mexican to win a race in his country. But he won’t be staying in F1 forever.

Perez is Mexico’s top 5 or even top 3 international athlete. His departure from the Formula 1 racing world would most definitely impact the Circuit’s future. The circuit’s contract will expire in 2025 after which the organizers might need to look for an extension with F1’s approval. But the question arises if the Mexican crowd would be interested in F1 after their home hero is gone.

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In an interview with Motorsport, the circuit’s Managing Director, Federico Rodriguez said:

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We know that Checo is not going to be here one day. What we are working on is to have the experience work not only around Checo but the whole sport.

Rodriguez believes the country is filled with Perez’s supporters but also with Mercedes’, Ferrari’s, and McLaren’s as well. 

He further said:

I know that we're going to suffer if we lose Checo, but we have to plan accordingly and account for that. We want more than the years that we have right now in contract.

According to him, they sold out all tickets this year within hours, meaning the crowd is interested in racing. But is interested in racing without Perez? Only time will tell.

Recent rumors about Sergio Perez’s unsure seat at Red Bull

Following Sergio Perez’s P5 after the Mexican GP’s Qualifying, the Mexican found himself only a tenth away from Max Verstappen‘s best lap time. Verstappen, who only managed a P3 before the race was due to the team’s tire’s mismanagement. Perez’s consistently poor performance run might end at his home Grand Prix if he shows his best performance.

Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo
Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)

The AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo seems to be the one replacing Perez found himself ahead of the Mexican after Qualifying. Ricciardo is set to start P4 this Sunday, sandwiched between the Red Bulls. He displays a strong mindset for that alleged Red Bull seat. 

Latest reports suggest the Red Bull team is keen to keep the Mexican rather than transfer Ricciardo from its sister team. But it might still not be enough for the current P2 runner in the Driver’s Standing.

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