Red Bull were relatively anonymous at the Italian GP, only managing 6th and 8th place across the line. Last weekend was especially disappointing for Max Verstappen, who simply lacked the pace to challenge for victory. Sergio Perez, who has gone ten races without a top-5 finish, believes Verstappen is now experiencing the difficulties he has faced throughout 2024.
Sergio Perez: Verstappen now has the same problems as me
Perez analyses Red Bull situation
For several months, the majority of scrutiny at Red Bull has been directed at Sergio Perez’s performance. Heading into the summer break, there were growing suggestions that the 34-year-old could be replaced mid-season.
At the Belgian GP, just before the summer pause, both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko hinted that a change was on the cards.
Since then, not only have Red Bull chosen to keep Perez, but the team’s on-track performance has become the biggest talking point. With Max Verstappen now struggling to fend off the ever-improving McLaren, the Austrian team’s development is being called into question.
Verstappen has complained extensively about the RB20’s handling. The Dutchman is unhappy with his car’s drivability, a theme that has become increasingly prevalent in F1 circles.
However, for Sergio Perez, his teammate’s current difficulties are what he has experienced for most of 2024:
“We basically were slow and high degradation,” he said post-race in Monza.
“I really feel like I’m in the same boat as I’ve been in for the last eight, ten races.
“But now, all of a sudden, Max has come to similar issues.
“So, yeah a little bit of a confusion there. But yeah, it’s clearly in the data where the problem is.”
Crucial period ahead for Red Bull
The last five months have been increasingly difficult for Red Bull, with their previously unchallenged dominance now under threat.
In fact, the consensus is that McLaren are objectively the fastest team. Ferrari’s recent upgrades have put them back at the very front, returning them to the relative performance that allowed Sainz and Leclerc to win races in Australia and Monaco.
Although Mercedes lacked pace in Monza, they also have enjoyed better results than Red Bull in recent months. In the time since Max Verstappen last won a race, the Silver Arrows have claimed three victories.
For Sergio Perez, the pressure to help Red Bull in the team’s Championship is fading away. With upgrades to the RB20 unlikely to arrive in the near future, the Austrian team are not expected to keep their lead in the constructors’.
This is not to suggest Perez’s performances throughout 2024 can be excused. Still, it does mean that Christian Horner’s focus could shift towards helping Verstappen in the drivers’ standings – rather than fighting an uphill battle in the team’s Championship.
Of course, Red Bull still need to make big decisions about Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, and Daniel Ricciardo.
Sergio Perez’s future is still uncertain, especially as the 2024 season reaches its later stages. With that said, the 34-year-old can at least enjoy a relative lull in speculation about his position within the team.
