Sergio Perez Describes ‘Different Pressure’ at Red Bull That Got His Predecessors Knocked Out

Sergio Perez Describes 'Different Pressure' at Red Bull That Got His Predecessors Knocked Out

Sergio Perez is currently enjoying a good start to the 2024 season, with two P2 finishes in the opening two races. Just a few months ago, however, he was under tremendous pressure, and on the verge of losing his Red Bull seat. Now, he looks back on the hard times, and the similar pressure that got so many drivers before him sacked.

On the Beyond the Grid podcast, Perez talks about the pressure drivers have to deal with in F1. It is a cutthroat environment, and they always have to be on their toes because many drivers are waiting in line to fill up a potentially vacant seat. At Red Bull, however, the parameters are different.

“I mean, there’s a reason why lots of drivers haven’t survived, “the Mexican driver said. “Because the amount of pressure, the amount of focus on yourself, they don’t measure the same, all the teams. I feel like how they measure at Red Bull is different to  anyone else.”

The other drivers Perez mentions include the likes of Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly. Both were incredibly talented and joined with a strong reputation. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t live up to the standards set by Red Bull. And in the end, the Milton-Keynes-based outfit let them go.

Perez was close to being in a situation similar to Albon and Gasly in 2023. There were multiple rumors linking him to a Red Bull exit, but he managed to hold on to his seat, for now.

Sergio Perez reviving his Red Bull career

Perez’s qualifying performance in the second half of the 2023 season made life very difficult for him. Max Verstappen outperformed in qualifying, and in the races to such an extent that he finished with more than double the points Perez amassed. Still, Red Bull gave him a chance and decided to honor the contract he has, which runs out later this year.

Perez came into the 2024 season under a lot of pressure to save his Red Bull career. So far, he has done a commendable job. While qualifying still doesn’t look like his strongest forte, Perez has finished P2 in both races behind Verstappen – which is what Red Bull wants at the end of the day.

Moreover, his potential replacements at the team – Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda – are not performing at a level Red Bull would consider optimal. Unless things improve for the V-CARB duo, Perez could be looking at a contract extension, which would extend his Red Bull stint.

Post Edited By: Aishwary Gaonkar
Alex Albon Max Verstappen Pierre Gasly Red Bull Sergio Perez

About the author

Avatar photo

Somin Bhattacharjee

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

Don’t miss these