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New Contracts Make Sergio Perez Too ‘Comfortable’ – F1 Expert Peter Windsor

Somin Bhattacharjee
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New Contracts Make Sergio Perez Too 'Comfortable' - F1 Expert Peter Windsor

Several teams are heading into the 2025 season with new drivers and lineups to brace for 2026’s regulation changes. Red Bull, however, decided to go ahead with Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen’s partnership for the next two seasons — something they confirmed midway into the campaign. Former F1 manager and expert Peter Windsor feels this was a mistake.

Perez’s 2024 has been woeful, as he lingers in eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, seven places behind leader and teammate Verstappen. His performances were questioned so heavily that heading into the season break, there were rumors of Red Bull sacking him.

Instead, the Milton-Keynes-based outfit gave him a two-year contract extension, much to the surprise of many.

“I think Red Bull made a very big mistake,” Windsor said to F1 Maximaal. “He is clearly a driver historically who does not respond well if he has just received a new contract with more money…” 

Often, when under pressure of losing their seats, drivers don’t perform to their best. But once their future in the team (or the sport) gets confirmed, they can drive without having to worry about consequences. But Perez’s new contract with Red Bull would do the opposite, per Windsor. “Because then he will relax more and feel too comfortable.” 

It isn’t the case that the Milton Keynes outfit is completely ignoring Perez‘s underperformance. Despite his contract extension, they have contemplated axing him this season. For now, he seems to have been retained till the end of 2024. But Red Bull is considering options to replace the Mexican.

Red Bull’s alternative to Perez

Perez may have signed a new two-year deal with Red Bull. But if he doesn’t improve his performance, he could be removed. Reportedly, that is why the Milton-Keynes-based team brought Liam Lawson in.

Daniel Ricciardo, who was driving for RB (Red Bull’s sister team) this season, lost his seat after the Singapore GP. Lawson — regarded as a highly talented youngster — came in to replace him.

Many, including, Nico Rosberg have claimed that Red Bull want to test Lawson as a potential replacement for Perez, who will have to convince the top brass that he deserves a spot.

Lawson will make his season debut this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas at the United States GP. Perez, meanwhile, will be aiming for a good result, which will help him finish the season strong.

Post Edited By:Aishwary Gaonkar

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Formula 1 Editor Somin Bhattacharjee fell for the sport as well as Fernando Alonso on the same day — during the Spaniard’s thrilling victory at the German GP in 2010. Over the years, the passion magnified manyfold, and metamorphosed into a writing career in 2021. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. He has penned over 2,700 articles for TheSportsRush, presenting a diverse range — news reports, opinions, and exclusives. A true Tiffosi, Somin never gives up on a chance to defend the Ferrari boys as a fan. As a sports writer though, he remains objective to the core and relishes opportunities to follow and engage in dissecting the action during races. That’s where the real thrill lies for him. Beyond the racetrack, Somin plays different sports including soccer. He enjoys exploring other sporting events and proudly supports Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

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