The 2023 Formula 1 season has been dominated by Red Bull, but while Max Verstappen continues to win, approaching 17 victories for the season, his teammate Sergio Perez is fighting to keep his place, struggling to find the feeling with the RB19. After the accident with Leclerc at his home Grand Prix in Mexico, which cost him the race and probably the podium, the pressure for Perez continues to grow. Although Horner and Marko have denied the possibility of his seat being taken away in 2024, Perez needs to find the podium and peace of mind again. Sprint returns to Brazil and this could allow him to recover points in perspective championship, and to defend himself from Hamilton. So let's see Perez's statements during the press conference in Brazil.
Red Bull continues to support him
Sergio Perez's future doesn't seem to be that much at risk. Which is surprising, considering the modus operandi that Red Bull has accustomed us to. The team seems to have maintained its support for him, despite the rumors circulating in the paddock. However, the comparison with Verstappen, who has conquered almost everything this season, highlights Perez's mixed performance. With just two wins and some subpar performances in recent races, his position in the team has become uncertain.
"Mexico was devastating for me, – said Perez at the end of last weekend – but in this sport certain things happen, and you can't afford to keep thinking about what could have happened. I wanted to win my home race more than anything, but all that is already in the past and now I'm completely focused on finishing second in the drivers' championship.”
Despite the speculation, the team principal Christian horner and Helmut Marko seem to want to protect Perez, offering him the opportunity to redeem himself next season. To then evaluate the renewal in 2025. We are now at the end. After Brazil, only two more races await us, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi. Perez will have to maximize the result to save his place in the standings and also his season. The Brazilian Grand Prix is therefore crucial for Perez. He will have to prove that he can handle the pressure and get a result that strengthens him in the team.
Possible Contract Extension for Sergio Perez?
According to the latest rumors, Sergio Perez not only is not at risk for 2024 but is negotiating a contract renewal with Red Bull. And the final decision will be made later the talks will take place in December, therefore once the championship has concluded.
Perez's statements, looking for redemption in Brazil
Sergio Perez, perhaps blinded by so much fervor and such high expectations, blew everything up in Mexico by finishing the race at the first corner. In Brazil the watchword will be "foresight", because the weekend is long, there is the Sprint and Perez needs points to reach his only objective, which is second place in the constructors' championship.
“It felt like everything was falling back into place last weekend – we were going in the right direction. The work that the team and I have done has paid off, in terms of set-up and performance. Brazil is a totally different test compared to Mexico, but it's still a fun track and we'll have two opportunities to score points this weekend; so, since sprint weekends are a challenge with the set-up, we want to optimize this opportunity as much as possible“ concluded the Mexican.
