Sergio Perez will go into the 2024 Formula 1 season under pressure despite having just had statistically his best season.
The Mexican driver had an impressive season in 2023, winning two grands prix and achieving his highest career finish of second place in the drivers’ championship.
However, his teammate Max Verstappen dominated the championship, leaving Perez and the rest of the grid fighting for scraps.
Despite his strong performance, Perez finished a staggering 290 points behind Verstappen, marking the largest points gap between teammates. One area where Perez struggled was in qualifying, often starting in the midfield despite his team’s success in winning all but one race in 2023.
Christian Horner, Perez’s boss, acknowledged this issue during an interview with UK broadcaster Sky Sports at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Horner praised Perez’s race pace and craft but emphasized the need for improvement in qualifying, urging him to start in the top four rather than ninth or tenth.
Perez’s contract with Red Bull is set to expire at the end of 2024, and rumors about his future with the team are growing.
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo, who previously raced for Red Bull and currently drives for Renault, has been linked to a potential return to the team in 2025.
Ricciardo has expressed his desire to rejoin the Red Bull family, stating that ending his career as a Red Bull driver would be a dream come true.
Despite the speculation and pressure, Perez has remained composed and focused.
He has handled the situation well, saying all the right things and maintaining a positive attitude.
With a strong showing in 2024 most likely needed if he wants to continue with Red Bull, the Mexican has vowed to improve.
“We had a bit of a roller coaster mid-season but we didn’t give up, we stick together as a team … and we went through very tough times,” Perez said during the official FIA Prize Giving ceremony.
“But we’ve learned from those difficult moments and we will come back next year stronger.”
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