We Need to Talk About Sergio Perez

Are we about to see the disappointing end of what was once a promising F1 career? It definitely seems to be heading in that direction for Sergio Perez, as his 2023 mid-season struggles seem to be back with a vengeance again in 2024. And, with Red Bull's rivals closing in on the team, on track and in the Constructors Championship, there could be no worse time for things to be going so drastically wrong for the Mexican driver, despite a recent contract extension that ends at the end of 2026. So, it begs the question, what should Red Bull do with their driver that is under-performing so regularly?

It's a shame and a disappointment that we're still having to have the same conservation surrounding Perez's performances. But surely, the simple yet notorious answer for the team would be to end his misery before it gets worse. It sounds harsh, but this is F1, it's a doggy-dog world and Red Bull are no strangers to dropping drivers based on their performances. So, why have they kept Perez for as long as they have during his period of disappointing race results? Well, it was reported, via the F1 website, that"continuity and unity between team mates" was the best option for the team going forward. An interesting thought now that the likes of McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari are quickly gaining traction in the Championship battle, leaving Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen to fend for the team himself while Perez fights for the lower end of the points.

Credit were it is due to Perez, his early F1 career was promising, with an impressive debut podium at the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix that saw many speculate over a future move to Ferrari - yes, that failed to come to fruition, with him instead choosing McLaren. Ok, his McLaren career was nothing to scream and shout about, but once back in the mid-field with Force India/Racing Point, he found his old, decent racing ways. To date, his F1 statistics include six race wins, thirty nine podiums and three pole positions; more than enough to make you think that he is a decent race driver. Can you really be surprised at many an F1 fans shock at the thought of Perez not making the 2021 grid after being dropped by Racing Point? Media outlet, The Race reported that it would be a "huge injustice were Perez not to be on the 2021 grid." Even Martin Brundle suggested that Perez "should be on Red Bull Racing's radar." Did he know something we didn't?

Perez is not the first driver to struggle mentally and physically at Red Bull. In fact, he is just one of a string of drivers who have experienced similarities. Ironically replacing Alexander Albon that was dropped in favour of him. It does make you question the ethics of the team.

But for Perez, his struggles haven't mattered as much as they do now. With rivals getting ever so closer, he HAS to perform better. Verstappen may have proved himself the better Red Bull driver, but there is no way he can be expected to protect Red Bull's Championship Crown alone. Although, I wouldn't put it past him to try. With Perez being given only a few races to improve, before his newly signed contract could potentially and humiliatingly be ripped up in front of him, rumours are beginning to do the rounds as to who his successor could be. And, Red Bull seem to have several options if it comes to this.

So, who could be the lucky driver to replace Perez, if needs must? Several names seem to be in the fray, specifically drivers that have, or have had, ties with Red Bull at some point. You’re looking at your Daniel Ricciardo’s, Liam Lawson’s and Carlos Sainz’s; although, the latter is looking less likely as the days go by. But, what about Yuki Tsunoda? It’s unfortunate that his name doesn’t crop up regularly regarding this matter, especially as he has done well in 2024 to match/out race teammate; Ricciardo. Regardless, if rumours in and around the F1 paddock are to be believed, Ricciardo looks like the most likely candidate. Kind of surprising when you look at his recent form with VCARB and McLaren, unsurprisingly when you know of the past that Ricciardo and Red Bull have shared. Their desire for his return has been no secret, and they seem to believe he still has potential. I can’t be the voice of opinion for fans.

As for Perez, Red Bull's Motorsport Advisor; Helmut Marko, has confirmed that a Performance Clause exists within the Mexican's Red Bull contract, providing the team the opportunity to terminate the contract, if need be. And, with Perez currently, at the time of writing, sitting 6th in the Driver's Championship on 118 points, compared to Verstappen's 1st and 255 points, many outsiders believe this could be enough of a difference to get the ball rolling on that termination. Ouch.

What's next for the under performing driver? He's been given a couple of races to improve his form, with a decision over his future to be made in the Summer break. It's a great shame seeing Perez have significant drops in his performance like he does. He is more than capable of fighting at the front, as he proved in the first half of 2024. But, this is motorsport, specifically the "pinnacle" of motorsport. It's mentally and physically demanding. It is, indeed, cut throat. I just hope he can somehow salvage a dying career.

Race Review: British Grand Prix 2024

If we’re going to describe this season's British Grand Prix in one word surely it has to be WILD! With a Mercedes front row lock out, rain on the horizon and a proper old school track to race on, surely this race was going to cause some kind of chaos. And, trust me, it damn well did.

After the falling outs of the Austrian Grand Prix only the weekend beforehand, there was sure to be some nervy feelings doing the rounds as Lando Norris and Max Verstappen started side by side on the grid, in 3rd and 4th respectively. However, it was Mercedes chance to shine with both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton starting on the front row, joining Norris in securing a 1-2-3 in qualifying for British drivers for the first time ever at the British Grand Prix. Quite patriotic, if I must say so.

Incredibly, F1 continued it’s run of relatively clean race starts. I mean, Silverstone isn’t vigerously known for incident free race beginnings, looking at you 2022, nevertheless, everyone made it through this time despite the odd bish, bash, bosh here and there, as Alex Albon wiggled his way through turn one avoiding cars and clipping others. However, one driver who had a mare of a start was Pierre Gasly in his Alpine, pitting at the end of the formation lap due to technical problems. After starting the race from the pit lane, alongside Sergio Perez (let’s not go there), he would eventually retire at the end of Lap One. Not how one wants to spend their weekend in the Silverstone countryside.

Despite the front of the field managing their pace, there was plenty of early action in the mid to backend of the pack. Perez was making his way up from last position, following Kevin Magnussen’s Haas through on rivals ahead of them. Daniel Ricciardo was also on the move, taking advantage of the DRS on the straights. But, when the talk of rain started to inundate team radios, it was now when Norris made his move on Verstappen for third, after the Dutchman pipped him to the position off the line. I can confirm that no McLarens or Red Bulls were hurt in this process.

Yes, it rained. Just like it had been doing all weekend, on and off, per se. And, where drivers like Verstappen were falling down the order, the McLarens of Norris and Oscar Piastri became incredibly suited to the damp conditions, with the duo quickly passing the leading drivers - Hamilton ahead of Russell, into the lead of the race - Norris ahead of Piastri. With some drivers having to take to run off areas due to slight aquaplaning, several teams called their drivers in for a change to inter tyres. A surprising move considering the rain was light and many didn’t feel the need for this tyre as of yet. Alas, this was not a wise decision and once again Charles Leclerc found himself on the wrong tyre at the wrong time, throwing his race into complete dissarey in scenes similar to that of Canada earlier on in the season.

But, this is Silverstone and British weather refuses to hold back. The rain came again, but this time at a higher intensity. Unfortunately, those who stayed on the inters after the first shower, found themselves with yet another disadvantage. Their rubber was shot and new inters were on the cards, dropping them even further behind, with Perez and Leclerc being lapped by their teammates. But, the fun truly began when some of our front runners decided that it was also time for the green striped Pirellis to make an appearance. Verstappen, the first to dive into the pitlane, was the big winner in the kerfuffle, moving up into 3rd. The losers? Piastri and Russell, with the former having to stay out an extra lap compared to his rivals and the latter DNFing with, ironically, a water pressure issue.

After a bit of slipping and sliding in the rain; Kevin Magnussen seemed to be the only driver coming ever so close to loosing it at one stage; slick tyres made a return to the track on Lap 39. There were big gains for Hamilton who, now on the soft tyre, jumped Norris for the lead after his pit stop. Norris, now in 2nd, would also pit for softs, Verstappen in 3rd was on hards and going along very, very nicely, inching ever so closer to the top two. Verstappen and Red Bull's decision to fit the hard tyre over the soft was starting to pay off, with both Norris and Hamilton gradually falling into the Dutchman's clutches in the latter stages of the race. However, with only a handful of laps remaining, was this a big ask for Verstappen to catch the duo ahead and win? The race was on, with many fans holding their breaths as Verstappen caught Norris, overtaking him fair and square for second, before leaving the McLaren in the distance as the Red Bull chased down the Mercedes for the win.

For the British fans who came to the British Grand Prix hoping for a British driver to win, they were about to get their prayers answered, as the chequered flag started to fly, with Hamilton crossing the line ahead of Verstappen, making it his first win since 2021. Something that's pretty difficult to comprehend! Norris would cross the line in 3rd, ruing his chances at taking a second place at his home race. Carlos Sainz would make a last minute pit stop for Ferrari, fitting the softs and taking the fastest lap in the process.

What a race, huh? This new resurgence that F1 is currently going through is definitely reigniting long time aficionado's love for the sport. And, that same question as to whether a championship battle is on our hands lingers in the air. Oh, the excitement! Although, some teams strategy calls, especially at this race, are quite questionable. Looking at you McLaren, Ferrari and, to some extent, Red Bull. But, that just adds to the fun and the unknown.

Next up: Hungary.

Opinion: Is It Time for a Resurgence in F1?

Team and driver dominance over the rest of the field isn’t new to Formula One. In fact, dominance has played a big factor in the sport for some time now, with several drivers winning two or more consecutive championships since the late 90s/early 2000s. Because of this, you can easily see why I, someone who has watched F1 for more than two decades, is perplexed that so many “aficionados” are disgruntled at the fact dominance is big in Formula One.

Take the current form of Max Verstappen and Red Bull. When the regulations changed for 2022, they got it very right, whereas other teams got it, not wrong, but just not right. You could the say the same for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton in 2014 onwards and Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel before that. And, then there is the big and probably the most infamous duo - Ferrari and Michael Schumacher. Dominance has become a normality and has proved itself to be part of the force that makes legends within our sport, but could things be about to change?

As already discussed, although in little context, since 2022 Formula One has been all about Red Bull and Max Verstappen. Sure, Verstappen’s Championship win in 2021 helped to propel the team into their “comeback era,” but with a change of regulations, Adrian Newey at the helm of design/engineering and Verstappen at the wheel, they were always going to be a force to be reckoned with. However, did anyone actually expect them to become as dominant as they have been? Even so, while their second driver; Sergio Perez, went through, and is still going through, some tough and demanding times on track? I’ll let you perceive it how you want.

Let’s jump to the present day - 2024, and, as of writing, it’s the eve of the highly anticipated British Grand Prix, where the top three on the starting grid consists of George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. Two Mercedes and a McLaren. But, where is Verstappen and Red Bull, I hear you ask? A difficult qualifying session saw them make Q3 by the skin of their teeth, with an eventual starting position of 4th. Sure, Verstappen had floor damage, after a short trip across the gravel in Q1, but all weekend Red Bull have been off the pace, something we’re starting to see all too often over the course of race weekends. But, are they really as off the pace as they look? Or, are other teams FINALLY bringing packages that can rival the best? Either way, Red Bull’s dominance seems to be teetering on the edge of being over. Something that could be, in some sense, a godsend for the sport.

As we know, Formula One, in recent years, has grown a HUGE community over several social media platforms such as X and TikTok, and many users have made no secret of their distaste of Red Bull dominance, with some calling it boring and too predictable. Others, however, seem to dislike Red Bull and Verstappen’s dominance due to the fact that they dislike just that; Red Bull and Verstappen.

It’s an interesting aspect, seeing how social media can have a chain reaction effect on people, with the hatred of Red Bull/Verstappen becoming almost mandatory to join the fan base of Lewis Hamilton, as an example and from my observations, but not a given. That’s my disclaimer. This does suggest that social media has a big influence on fan behaviour and that maybe dominance in F1 isn’t as bad as it is being perceived by some people. I mean, it hasn’t stopped them watching, no?

Perhaps it’s easy to forget that F1 isn’t just a race between drivers, but also an engineering race between teams. This isn’t Formula Two or Formula Three where each chassis is provided by one supplier, oh no, everything in F1 is done individually by each team. It’s a case of fending for themselves. Surely, it’s a given that one or two will reign highly above the rest? But still, people watch for the racing and, specifically at the front of the grid, it’s been lacking.

Regardless, for the FIA and Formula One Management, team and driver dominance seems to be the least of their concerns. Drive to Survive is consistently bringing in new fans from the streaming platform; Netflix, social media is abuzz with F1 chatter, race weekends are selling out and the owners are richer than ever. Why should they change something that isn’t broken in their eyes? From a fans perspective however, it may seem broken, as we watch, what seems to be, a driver parade each race day. It does get tiresome. But, as recent race weekends have shown, a resurgence is coming. With, McLaren, Mercedes and occasionally Ferrari, bringing the fight to Red Bull, F1 is starting to become exciting again. And, that’s exactly the type of resurgence F1 needs. But, let’s make the most of it while we can. With a change in regulations in 2026, we could find ourselves back to square one and in another era of pure dominance.

At the end of the day though, we can’t take away what Red Bull and Verstappen have achieved. We’re extremely lucky to have witnessed such greatness, just as we witnessed Mercedes and Hamilton, Red Bull and Vettel, Ferrari and Schumacher. F1 is an exciting sport, and it still can be, and still will be regardless of one team/driver's dominance.