Red Bull has been quick to dismiss sensational speculation that Sergio Pérez is set to announce his immediate departure from Formula 1.
Although his contract runs until 2024, the 33-year-old’s inconsistent performances suggest he could part ways with Red Bull, either at his next home race or by leaving this sport at all.
A Red Bull spokesperson denied the rumours, saying: “Absolutely nothing can be done” in a statement to Auto Motor und Sport.
Dr. Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, echoed this sentiment and said: “I don’t know. »
In fact, Marko later dismissed claims that Pérez had been in constant trouble since the Spanish GP in June, pointing out: “He was on the podium four times after that and made some performances Big comebacks like at the Red Bull Ring and at Monza.
Strangely, these rumors of Perez’s retirement surfaced just as news broke that Daniel Ricciardo is set to return to the Alpha Tauri cockpit this weekend in Austin.
Ricciardo showed off his recovery after breaking his hand while driving the old Red Bull car in Nashville this weekend, saying: “I was in the simulator, everything was fine, the hand worked well and I’m ready to take over the wheel. ” The Australian player is considered a strong candidate to replace Perez next year. If Perez does indeed leave and Ricciardo takes his place, that would open up the Alpha Tauri seat for promising reserve driver Liam Lawson for the upcoming season.
Frans Verschuur, a respected figure in the Dutch automotive world, questioned the importance of contracts in Formula 1, commenting: “He (Perez) has a contract, but a contract in Formula 1.” What value is number 1? Nyck de Vries also thought he had a contract so he left.
“I think it all depends on what he does now in these last races,” Verschuur concluded. Will he cause as much damage as he has recently?
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