Will Fine Print in Sergio Perez’s Contract Mark the End of His Time at Red Bull Racing?

The question on everyone’s minds right now: “Is Perez going to lose his contract mid-season?”

Despite his recent two-year contract extension (which caught a lot of fans by surprise), Sergio Perez's future with Red Bull Racing is under MAJOR scrutiny – understandably so.

To understand what’s going on with driver number 11, let’s unpack his recent performance, the specifics of his contract, his potential replacements, and the broader strategic decisions Red Bull has to consider.

Get comfortable, because it’s a LOT. 

Recent Performance (or uh, lack of) 

Since the Canadian Grand Prix, Perez has faced significant challenges, scoring just 15 points in the last six races compared to his teammate Max Verstappen's 119 points over the same period. 

This disparity has led to speculation about his future with the team – which is fair tbh. 

Read the Fine Print, Amirite Ladies

BUT Perez's contract includes a nifty lil performance clause…

This allows Red Bull to sever ties if he falls 100 points or more behind Verstappen in the drivers' championship standings at critical points in the season, such as the mid-season break and the end of the 2024 campaign.

Current Standings (if you were wondering)

After the British GP, Perez is 137 points behind Verstappen, with just two races left before the mid-season break…

… do you see where I’m going with this? 

Christian Horner's Statement:

“He (Perez) knows it’s unsustainable to not be scoring points. We have to be scoring points in that car, and he knows that. He knows his role and his target, so nobody is more eager than Checo to find his form again.”

… but has he found the form he needs to be able to keep racing in the RB? THAT’S the million dollar question.

So... Who'll Replace Perez if Things Go South

IF Red Bull decides to take advantage of the contract clause, several drivers could potentially replace Perez:

1. Daniel Ricciardo

• Current Status: Racing for AlphaTauri (technically VCARB but yk, I'm a creature of habit)

• Experience: Ricciardo has a history with Red Bull, including several race wins and a partnership with Verstappen.

• Pros: Known for his overtaking skills, racecraft, and experience with the team.

• Cons: His recent form has been inconsistent, raising questions about his ability to compete consistently at the top level.

• Recent Performance: Ricciardo still needs to demonstrate more consistent performances to be considered a serious replacement. 

Cole’s Commentary: 

Overall, he might not be their best option – but he's still AN option. Listen, I think we’d all LOVE to see Danny Ric back in a Red Bull – but I think it just boils down to it being nostalgic and him being a likeable guy. 

Redbull signing Ricciardo to their junior team was a fantastic move in terms of giving him another shot on the grid and some stability while keeping their sponsors (the ones that led to one of the worst team names in F1 literally ever) happy. 

Whether he’d be able to deliver what the main team needs right now is a whole other story.

2. Yuki Tsunoda

• Current Status: Racing for VCARB RB (ah yes, just rolls off the tongue - so sexy - Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team)

• Experience: Tsunoda has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency.

• Pros: Promising talent with a few standout performances.

• Cons: His inconsistency and lack of strong internal support for a promotion to Red Bull are significant concerns.

• Future Potential: While talented, Tsunoda may need more time to develop before taking on a leading role at Red Bull.

Cole’s Commentary: 

He’s in his 4th year of F1, so he’s not a rookie they’re taking a gamble on, and he HAS been the fastest of the two VCARB drivers for most of the season so far. 

He’s got experience, he’s shown improvement in recent years and his pace isn’t bad tbh. 

Tsunoda is a LOT more prepared than drivers Redbull previously promoted as rookies, including Kvyat and Gasly after 1.5 years and Albon after 6 months…

BUT, with that being said, while Yuki definitely deserves a shot in the main team, I’m not sure it’s in the best interest of Redbull. At least not right now, when there are arguably better options when it comes to drivers who can handle the inevitable pressure of having Max Verstappen as their teammate.

3. Liam Lawson

• Current Status: Red Bull's reserve driver.

• Experience: Limited F1 experience but has impressed during test sessions.

• Pros: Young and promising talent, showing great potential in testing.

• Cons: Lack of race experience in Formula 1, which could be a risk for Red Bull.

• Recent Activity: Lawson recently completed a test in the 2024 Red Bull car at Silverstone, demonstrating his capability and readiness for a potential promotion (and also feeling like a biiiiit of a hint that RB is at least considering him seriously as an option right now…) 

Cole’s Commentary: 

Now, I can’t deny that if Red Bull were to promote Lawson directly to the senior team, it would be a massive challenge given the brilliance and expectation for a car such as the RB20, BUT it would be an equally huge opportunity for the rookie. 

RB has their junior program to test younger drivers before giving them a shot at the forefront – and Lawson has proven himself for sure. He scored points in F1 while replacing the injured Danny Ric last year, so he has already shown us that he can deal with both pressure and expectation.

It’ll be a challenge for Lawson, yes – but hopefully, it’s one he can make the most of – and deliver some impressive results.

4. Carlos Sainz

• Current Status: Racing for Ferrari (uh, at least until the end of this season)

• Experience: Sainz has proven himself as a race winner and a dependable performer.

• Pros: Strong racecraft, experience, and previous partnership with Verstappen.

• Cons: The past partnership with Verstappen had issues, but both drivers have matured since then.

• Fit with Team: Sainz's experience and reliability could make him a strong candidate, although negotiations with Ferrari would be complex.
  

Cole’s Commentary: 

With other teams (*cough McLaren cough *) starting to seriously challenge Redbull, it has become more clear than ever that they need the strongest teammate for Max that they can get. 

Someone who is able to handle the pressure of driving for a top team… 

Someone fast, technical, experienced, and has won races…

Someone who is a SMOOOOOOTH OPERATOOOOOR.

Out of the available drivers right now, Sainz has GOT TO come to mind. 

He’s had some excellent wins and has shown dependability as a teammate at Ferrari. His other options are Williams, Audi and Alpine – but I personally think he’s still got potential at the front…

… In a Redbull, perhaps? 

I know what you’re thinking: The Verstappen-Sainz duo didn't go particularly well the first time around at Toro Rosso, which was largely because of behind-the-scenes drama, and which was probably one of Red Bull’s main reasons for not signing Sainz sooner.

But both drivers have matured and grown, and Sainz may very well be their best shot at replacing Perez without a massive and awkward adjustment period. 

If Red Bull is really serious about having two talented drivers to defend their constructors’ title – especially with other teams pushing back a bit more – they’re going to have to at least think about finding a way to make it work with Sainz. 

What Red Bull has to Consider 

Red Bull’s decision regarding Perez will significantly impact their strategy for the remainder of the season and beyond (no pressure - but there's PRESSURE)

The team needs BOTH drivers to perform well to secure the Constructors' Championship, especially with increasing competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

So… 

Should they stick it out with Perez? 

Maybe. 

(no, I’m not going insane – hear me out)

He’s gone through the same spout of bad form before (think back to last season), but he bounced back. 

Maybe he’s taken too many hits and lost his confidence. 

Maybe he’s falling behind as the car is developing. 

Maybe it’s Maybelline. Who knows. 

If he’s able to bounce back and prove himself, he may very well still have a shot with the team. 

That’s a BIG maybe though – we all know how competitive and unforgiving F1 can be – these drivers are the best of the best. The cream of the crop. The pinnacle. And it is unfortunately a game of “keep up or get left behind”. 

And for Perez, well, only time will tell… (and his points, obviously - I just wanted some dramatic effect lol)