F1: Horner Says' Perez Performance is ‘Unsustainable’ as Rivals Catch-up to Red Bull

Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez faces potential contractual repercussions at Red Bull Racing. Performance clauses within his contract are nearing activation, prompting concern from the team. Perez has come under increasing pressure to elevate his performance. Red Bull's constructors' championship lead is under threat from resurgent rivals McLaren and Mercedes. Consistent points from both Red Bull drivers are crucial to maintain their advantage but, recent results have been a source of frustration. Perez has struggled to score points since the Miami Grand Prix, while teammate Max Verstappen has amassed 114 points in the same timeframe. This disparity creates a significant risk to Red Bull's championship aspirations. Team Principal Christian Horner has stressed the importance of Perez stepping up. With the competition intensifying, Verstappen cannot single-handedly secure the constructors' title for Red Bull.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: 'Perez knows it’s unsustainable to not be scoring points – we have to be scoring points in that car, and he knows that. He knows his role and his target, so nobody is more eager than Checo to find his form again. It's something we’re acutely aware of, that to win the constructors’ championship you need both cars scoring.'

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To boost Perez's performance before the summer break, Horner has confirmed that the Mexican driver will be using a new floor at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, an upgrade that was introduced on Verstappen's car during the British Grand Prix weekend.

Who can Replace Perez?

Sergio Perez's slump has fuelled speculation about a performance clause in his Red Bull contract. This clause, if triggered, could open the door for a mid-season driver swap.

Daniel Ricciardo, a former Red Bull driver, emerges as a potential replacement. Ricciardo, who has struggled at McLaren and now racing for VCARB might make a return to his old team appealing. Another name tossed into the mix is Liam Lawson, Red Bull's junior driver. Lawson impressed with a ninth-place finish at last year's Singapore Grand Prix while filling in for Ricciardo at AlphaTauri.

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If a swap materializes, Perez's contract might make him a free agent for the 2025 season. This would trigger a scramble among midfield teams like Williams, the incoming Audi squad, Alpine, and Haas, all still finalizing their driver line-ups.