Sergio Perez told there are two reasons why Red Bull will retain him for the rest of the season

Follow us on Google Discover

The Belgian Grand Prix has the potential to be the most important race in Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 career.

Sergio Perez is in his fourth season with Red Bull but despite already being handed a new contract for next season and potentially beyond, he could also be jettisoned from the team during the upcoming summer break.

For the second campaign on the bounce, Perez has started quickly and then dramatically fallen away compared to teammate Max Verstappen.

Last year this wasn’t an issue as Red Bull had such an advantage over the rest of the field that any mistake Perez made – particularly in qualifying – could be overturned during the race.

However, Perez is in a much more precarious state this year as the grid has converged – and potentially overtaken – Red Bull.

His crash in qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix could have been the final straw although he did put in a good performance to finish 7^th in Sunday’s race.

Despite all of this, journalist Jake Boxall-Legge was speaking on the Autosport Podcast about why he thinks Red Bull will see out the rest of the season.

Red Bull have four weeks over the summer to make a decision that could win or lose them the Constructors’ Championship.

Perez’s future is unlikely to be sealed just yet, although it’s hard to know whether one final performance at Spa will be enough to change their mind based on half a season’s worth of evidence.

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

Why Sergio Perez could stay at Red Bull for the rest of the 2024 F1 season

Explaining the options available to Red Bull, Boxall-Legge said: “With regards to Tsunoda, I think personally speaking I think he’s the strongest option, I think he’s earned his shot.

“As far as I understand Christian Horner doesn’t really rate him enough to put him in one of his cars.

“And Daniel Ricciardo, he would be the firm option if he was performing well and he’s been performing better lately but he’s probably not performing well enough for a step where you think he’s the much better option than Perez, we’ll put him in.

“So, as far as I’m concerned, I genuinely don’t believe Perez is getting replaced this season.

“And I think it’s probably a reason of convenience, I don’t think there’s an option that A, Red Bull rates particularly and B, that they could put in that car and would immediately do a better job unless they splash the cash and got somebody else.

“The option that I do think would be good enough to push things forward isn’t going to be the option that they put in the car which is Tsunoda.

“So, I think Perez stays for the end of the season certainly and Red Bull reassess for next season, see if Sainz is available but unfortunately options are dwindling at the moment.”

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

Helmut Marko and Christian Horner have already delivered their Sergio Perez verdicts

Sergio Perez has underperformed this season and only George Russell is behind him in the Drivers’ Championship out of their eight drivers at this season’s top teams.

Russell would be ahead of Perez were it not for his unfortunate retirement at Silverstone which sums up just how poorly 2024 has gone for the Mexican.

Christian Horner was pleased with Perez after his display in Hungary but once again a key mistake in qualifying cost him the chance of securing a large points haul.

Helmut Marko admitted a meeting will be held to discuss Perez’s future after the race in Spa and he’ll be hoping to build up enough credit over the coming race weekend to argue he’s the best option for at least the rest of this season and the following campaign too.

The last thing Perez will want to see is a strong weekend for RB with Ricciardo and Tsunoda both pushing for a promotion.

Liam Lawson has to sit and patiently wait to see what unfolds around him but his potential looks set to eventually earn him a place on the grid.