Sergio Perez could find himself in the ‘same situation’ as Daniel Ricciardo unless his results improve, according to former Red Bull driver David Coulthard. Perez has struggled to impress over the last two seasons, fuelling rumours of a change in the not-too-distant future.
The Mexican driver extended his contract at Red Bull earlier this year, putting pen to paper on a deal which runs until the end of 2026. He was initially expected to be replaced by Ricciardo in the summer but was kept on by Red Bull in spite of his patchy form.
Perez was on course for a podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix before colliding with Carlos Sainz on the final lap, leaving him unable to finish the race. A week later in Singapore, he came home in 10th place after struggling to climb up the order.
Speaking before Ricciardo’s exit from VCARB was confirmed, Coulthard suggested that Perez may find himself in the same boat unless he can prove himself over the next six races.
“He did brilliantly in Baku, but one swallow doesn’t make a summer,” Coulthard told Channel 4. “One good result is not what you expect from your… he’s clearly the number two driver in that team. There was so much relief, I think, off the back of Baku.
“Then it’s a bit back to reality [in Singapore]. If he doesn’t keep getting some solid points in the remainder of the year, then… Daniel Ricciardo looks like he’s on the way out the door, that could be the same situation for Perez.”
It remains to be seen if Red Bull will change their driver line-up for next year if Perez is unable to find form over the coming weeks. Team principal Christian Horner threw his support behind the 34-year-old when quizzed on his future after the Singapore Grand Prix.
“He had a good first lap, he got his elbows out and made a couple of decent passes, but then he got stuck,” said Horner. “He struggled with traction. He couldn’t get off the corners where he needed to, to get into an overtaking position.
“It was frustrating for him, but he got a point out of it and they will all add up at the end of the season. When you hunt in a pair, it’s always going to be easier. Checo [in Azerbaijan] was right there. [In Singapore] he struggled in quali then was out of position in the race.
“Hopefully, some of the tracks coming up, some of the upgrades that I hope we will bring over the next few races, there are big races for Checo and for the team.”
