Throughout the 2023 season, Sergio Perez has not been able to match colleague Max Verstappen. Perez won the first two races, but he hasn’t finished on the top step of the podium since. Because of his on-track performance, speculations over his future at Red Bull have been raised. Despite Perez having a contract, the rumours gained momentum after the Mexican player struggled with Verstappen.
All Rumours Are Dispelled
Following the Mexico City Grand Prix, speculation about Perez’s future with the team grew after Christian Horner said that the team “intentionally” wanted to keep Perez for the following season. The choice of such narrow terminology frequently has a hidden connotation that draws attention to itself. Horner, nevertheless, has underlined that Perez’s spot on the squad for 2024 was confirmed and that there was no room for interpretation in his wording. Speaking at the Mexican post-race talks, Horner stated:
“We intend for Checo to be in the car in 2024 as per our arrangement with him for the upcoming year. We’ll do all in our power to help him place second in the drivers’ championship, but failing to do so does not automatically eliminate you.
In response to a question from Autosport in Brazil regarding the meaning of the term “intention,” Horner explained that Perez’s status was assured, unless there were unanticipated events outside of the team’s control. He used the team’s well-defined plan for the forthcoming season to demonstrate his faith in Perez’s stability. Horner elaborated by stating:
“It is very evident to me that Checo will be our driver for the upcoming season. Now, there are situations outside of our control if he got hurt or anything similar.
However, it is evident from the strategy and, consequently, the intention that he will carry on. We intend to carry on. The AlphaTauri drivers and the Red Bull racing drivers have been revealed. We plan to race in that manner in 2024.