Martin Brundle’s ominous verdict on whether Sergio Perez did enough for Red Bull during Dutch Grand Prix

Follow us on Google Discover

The Dutch Grand Prix wasn’t the most exciting race of the Formula 1 season but did provide the latest fascinating instalment in the battle to win the Constructors’ Championship.

Red Bull entered the weekend 41 points ahead of their closest rivals McLaren albeit with a superior car.

By the time the chequered flag flew at Zandvoort that lead had been cut by 10 points as Lando Norris led Max Verstappen over the line for his second F1 victory.

Oscar Piastri will be frustrated that he didn’t join his teammate on the podium.

Charles Leclerc was furious with his race engineer but still managed to pull off a brilliant strategy to record back-to-back podium finishes.

Sergio Perez came home in 6^th which is his best result since the Miami Grand Prix.

However, it was another race where Perez went backwards after qualifying one position higher.

He wasn’t the only driver who failed to hold onto their position on the grid with George Russell forced to settle for 7^th just one place above his teammate Lewis Hamilton who started on the seventh row of the grid.

Martin Brundle and David Croft were discussing Perez’s fortunes towards the end of the Dutch Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1.

Perez has a contract that could potentially run until the end of the 2026 season, but it would be a surprise if Red Bull doubled down on that commitment any time soon.

Particularly as he’s the main reason why their advantage in the Constructors’ Championship is beginning to dwindle.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Sergio Perez’s life outside F1 from net worth to nickname

Martin Brundle provides his Sergio Perez verdict after the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort

As the race was winding down, Croft asked: “Has Perez done enough today for Red Bull, starting 5^th, finishing 6^th?”

Brundle responded: “Just about. But who else would you put in where you would go, they’ll guarantee that driver who’s available, who will guarantee that that driver will do better than that?”

Croft went on to say: “I think that was the decision that they had to make and thought well we’ll put all of our faith in the one that’s got the seat, we’ll give him every chance.

“He’s had a bit of driver coaching at Silverstone in between Spa and here at Zandvoort, let’s see if that will help turn things around a bit.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Sergio Perez still fighting to save his Red Bull seat despite Dutch Grand Prix points haul

While Perez is finishing so far behind Verstappen, it’s hard to argue that his seat is safe until the end of the season.

At this rate, Red Bull will lose the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren although it would be a surprise if Verstappen missed out on a fourth individual title.

Perez’s future will be reconsidered after the Singapore Grand Prix but it’s hard to argue that another option available to Red Bull would do a better job.

Helmut Marko has said that Liam Lawson’s future will be resolved in September but asking a rookie to step up and do a better job than one of the sport’s most experienced drivers is a tall order.

The next three races should suit Perez well and even if the RB20 isn’t the fastest car on the grid, he has to get closer to Verstappen even if it’s just to aid his strategy.

At the moment, he’s not proving to be a very valuable asset to the team and Brundle appears to be unconvinced that he’s doing enough right now.