Red Bull's Next Move: Making the Same Mistake with Sergio Perez's Successor
Red Bull's decision to part ways with Sergio Perez for 2025 marks a significant turning point, following a dramatic decline in performance during the 2024 season.
Racing driver walking in paddock hallway
Perez started 2024 strongly, securing three one-two finishes with Max Verstappen in the first four races. At Suzuka, he came within 0.066s of Verstappen's pole position time, showcasing his potential. This performance likely influenced Red Bull's initial decision to extend his contract through 2026.
However, after the Miami Grand Prix, Perez's performance dropped dramatically. He failed to finish in the top five for the remainder of the season, scoring just 49 points in 18 races. In contrast, Verstappen accumulated 301 points during the same period.
The decision to replace Perez was necessary, but Red Bull's apparent choice to promote Liam Lawson raises concerns. The team's history with young drivers in the second seat hasn't been successful, as evidenced by Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon's struggles alongside Verstappen.
More experienced options were available:
- Carlos Sainz, a Red Bull junior program graduate
- Daniel Ricciardo, who previously performed well alongside Verstappen
- Yuki Tsunoda, who has proven himself at RB with consistent performances
Lawson, while talented, faces the challenge of entering a high-pressure environment in what would be his first full F1 season. Red Bull's track record suggests the team might be repeating past mistakes by fast-tracking another young driver instead of opting for a more experienced alternative.
The consistent struggles of second drivers at Red Bull indicate a deeper issue within the team's structure and operations, rather than just driver performance. As they move forward, addressing these systemic challenges may be more crucial than simply changing drivers.
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