Why there was a ‘big asterisk’ next to Sergio Perez’s disappointing US Grand Prix performance

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The United States Grand Prix saw a return to action on the Formula 1 calendar, but Red Bull driver Sergio Perez once again failed to secure a coveted top-six finish.

Sergio Perez last stood on a Formula 1 podium at the Chinese Grand Prix, although he did secure a top-three finish during the Sprint Race in Miami.

Since then, the Mexican driver has failed to finish on the rostrum in any of the last 15 Grand Prix or Sprint Races, leaving Red Bull in a difficult position as they try to defend their Constructors’ Championship.

Perez’s position is made all the more difficult with Max Verstappen showing no signs of slowing down in his bid to become a four-time world champion.

Although he and Perez have both been dealing with an increasingly difficult car to drive, Verstappen has still matched the likes of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.

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Talking on The Race Podcast, journalist Edd Straw shared more details about Perez’s difficulties at the United States Grand Prix.

After failing to qualify in the top ten for the Sprint Race, Perez then finished behind both Haas car as he failed to score points.

The Mexican’s mistake on his first run in Q3 meant he didn’t set a time after George Russell’s crash but he still finished behind the Mercedes driver despite the Brit starting from the pit lane.

Why Sergio Perez’s disappointing United States Grand Prix had a ‘big asterisk’ next to it

Talking about Perez’s troubles, Straw said: “Yeah, a difficult weekend for Perez.

“But yeah, the floor change is significant enough that I think we can not quite give him an entirely free pass, but I think that’s quite a big asterisk against this weekend.

“But yeah, I was impressed with Lawson. I think he was producing good pace immediately.

“He didn’t quite get it all together in Sprint qualifying and then the Sprint Race [he] was sort of stuck down the order battling with Alonso.

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“And then, yeah, I think the race was good. I mean, Yuki Tsunoda obviously finished behind him.

“Now that was a bit circumstantial because Tsunoda was one of those cars who stopped early, if you stopped earlier than Sainz then you were in trouble.

“That kind of ruined his race, but then what ruined it more was getting irritated and having a spin.”

Sergio Perez told that he might not see out the 2024 Formula 1 season

Red Bull are looking over their shoulder in the Constructors’ Championship after Ferrari’s one-two finish in Austin.

It would be very unusual for Verstappen to win his fourth title but Red Bull failing to finish in the top two of the team standings in the same season.

Perez has been told he’s unlikely to finish the 2024 F1 season as a result of his poor performances.

More pertinently, Red Bull have lined up Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson to take part in a head-to-head battle at RB with the better-performing driver potentially replacing Perez.

Helmut Marko sees Tsunoda as a candidate for Red Bull although he didn’t have a great time at the Circuit of the Americas.

Meanwhile, Christian Horner was full of praise for Lawson after the United States Grand Prix.

Perez’s fans have urged Horner to give him the same car as Verstappen going forward.

If it comes out Red Bull have failed to do so at the Mexico City Grand Prix, then the crowd may be particularly hostile towards the team their hero drives for.