In the recent qualifying session for the 2023 British Grand Prix, Mexican driver Sergio Perez found himself outside of Q3 for the fifth consecutive time. Starting 15th on the grid, he fought his way back to secure a respectable sixth-place finish.
Currently, Perez trails his teammate Max Verstappen by 99 points in the championship standings, while Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso is 19 points behind him in third place.
However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has emphasized that Perez’s championship position plays a significant role in determining his seat security, thereby relieving immediate pressure on him. Horner remains unconcerned about Perez’s current form and stated, “At the moment, he’s running second in the championship and he’s extended his lead over Fernando [at Silverstone]. We’ve got a good car, but we’ve got to make sure that we’ve got both cars in contention.”
Horner believes that Perez deserves support and encouragement from the team. He expects the driver to regain his form swiftly, and the team must assist in facilitating this process as much as possible. The upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix presents an opportunity for Perez to bounce back, considering his impressive race recovery at Silverstone, including a notable pass on Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz at Stowe.
Regarding Perez’s weak qualifying performances, the recent three-day tyre test with reserve driver Ricciardo in the RB19 at Silverstone has garnered attention. However, Horner clarifies that there are no plans for the eight-time Grand Prix winner Ricciardo to return to the forefront with Red Bull. He explains, “It’s going to be great to see him back in a Red Bull car and seeing what he can do, where he’s at, both on pace and mentally and physically, and to get his feedback on this car as well. So, I think it’s a good opportunity for him to get back behind the wheel of a car that’s just won the British Grand Prix. [Promoting Ricciardo to the race team] is not something that we’re planning, that’s for certain.”
Horner acknowledges the importance of keeping Ricciardo within the team this year and having him remain involved in the sport. While expressing curiosity about Ricciardo’s performance, he states, “I didn’t recognize Daniel over the last couple of years. So, I’ll be very interested to see what kind of job he does.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Relieving pressure
Q: What is the current championship position of Sergio Perez?
A: Sergio Perez is currently running second in the championship standings, trailing his teammate Max Verstappen by 99 points.
Q: Is Sergio Perez under pressure to retain his seat in Red Bull?
A: No, Sergio Perez is not under immediate pressure to retain his seat in Red Bull. Christian Horner, the team principal, considers Perez’s championship position as a significant factor in determining his seat security.
Q: How does Christian Horner view Perez’s recent form?
A: Christian Horner is not concerned about Sergio Perez’s current form. He acknowledges Perez’s second-place position in the championship standings and highlights the importance of supporting him in regaining his form as quickly as possible.
Q: Is there a plan for Daniel Ricciardo to replace Perez in the Red Bull race team?
A: No, there is no plan for Daniel Ricciardo, the reserve driver, to return to the frontline with Red Bull. Christian Horner clarifies that the recent opportunity for Ricciardo to test the RB19 car was to gather feedback and does not indicate plans for promotion to the race team.
More about Relieving pressure
- Red Bull Racing
- Sergio Perez
- Christian Horner
- 2023 Formula 1 Championship Standings
- Daniel Ricciardo
