Perez continues to struggle in the shadow of Verstappen and Red Bull will need him more next season if they are further challenged by Ferrari and Mercedes.

Damon Hill believes Red Bull want ‘more wingers’ for Max Verstappen as he delivers his verdict on Sergio Perez’s woes.

The Mexican driver encountered another bad situation. He finished eighth in Singapore, after colliding with Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon during the race.

And his Japanese Grand Prix was even more affected by the incident. He broke his front wing when making contact with Lewis Hamilton on the first lap, then did it again with a charge on the inside of Kevin Magnussen that sent Haas into a spin. Perez only won four points in those two weekend races combined. He still occupies second place in the drivers’ standings, but his lead over Hamilton is now only 33 points while teammate Verstappen is 177 points ahead despite having the same car.

Sky Sports expert Hill believes that Red Bull needs someone who can score more consistently next season, if the team is to face a bigger challenge from their opponents. Speaking after the Suzuka race, the 1996 world champion commented on Perez’s efforts.

“There was an incident and then he had difficulty in the first corner,” he said. “Then I think a bit of frustration set in and the situation got worse. Magnussen was really desperate and maybe he was a bit bored where he was.”

Admitting that Pérez cannot have as many weekends if Red Bull is challenged next year, he added:
“I think the team really wants another winger for Max. They knew Max was almost untouchable.

“Remember when Michael Schumacher dominated Ferrari and no one could come second to Michael? I remember Ross Brawn saying to Eddie Irvine: ‘Look, you can’t beat him.’ You just have to do your best,” which is a curse for a racer to hear that.

“But you will meet someone in this match who is special and maybe beyond your ability, unless you are [Ayrton] Senna, Hamilton, Max Verstappen and the rest of the greats – [Juan Manuel] Fangio, Jim Clark. Those guys are tough to beat. All you can do is stick together and do a good job for the team.

Pérez’s current contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2024. Team principal Christian Horner has since stated that his team will consider all its options, including replacements. Potential for Mexican players.