It is no secret that Sergio Perez is struggling for results. In the final race before the summer break, Perez fell from 2nd on the grid to 7th across the line. His inability to match the McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes drivers is a problem for Red Bull. However, the team have decided against replacing Perez with either Daniel Ricciardo or Yuki Tsunoda. They have put their path in Perez and are considering various measures to rectify his form.
Red Bull to give Sergio Perez older components
The importance of confidence is often mentioned in Formula 1. Generally speaking, drivers perform at their best when their machinery gives them the confidence to push.
Although some drivers can maximise cars that are more difficult to handle, others suffer when a car’s characteristics do not suit their driving style. Sergio Perez seems to be in this category, with the 34-year-old unable to optimise the RB20.
He frequently talks about feeling uncomfortable in his Red Bull, often citing a lack of grip.
Regardless of whether this explanation sufficiently justifies his downturn in results, Red Bull are taking action.
As hinted at previously by Helmut Marko (and confirmed recently by AMuS), older components from the RB20 will feature in upcoming rounds.
Perez, and possibly even Verstappen, will use specifications from earlier in the season.
The hope is that results will improve by giving Perez a car with similar behaviours from the start of the season.
McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari pile on the pressure
Of course, there is no guarantee this course of action will deliver as intended. After all, when Perez was securing better results at the start of 2024, the competition was far less fierce.
Even if Perez can replicate his early-season form, that might not be enough.
McLaren and Mercedes continue to improve, whilst Ferrari could become a major threat if their Dutch GP upgrades are effective.
Moreover, there is always the risk of overcomplicating things. Changing and altering Perez’s RB20 could prove a destabilising force over time.
Then again, Red Bull have little choice but to experiment and try to find a solution. Having opted against giving Tsunoda or Ricciardo a promotion, improving Perez’s results is a necessity.
