The top row of the grid and one driver in particular drew the most attention prior to the Belgian Grand Prix starting.
At Spa, Sergio Perez started alongside Charles Leclerc after putting on his strongest qualifying performance in months. However, he did gain from Max Verstappen’s ten-place penalty.
After completing a lap three thousandths quicker than the Williams driver in qualifying, he was fortunate to escape being eliminated by Alex Albon.
Unfortunately, it was as far as Perez’s good fortune would go as the race went on as he began to fade away from the leaders, finally losing ground to his teammate and all four of the top-four drivers.
Perez finished eighth overall, although he later took up seventh position following George Russell’s disqualification. In the last moments of the Grand Prix, Perez made his third pit stop and recorded the fastest lap of the competition.
In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren and Mercedes are still closing the gap on Red Bull, and Perez’s future is expected to be debated shortly.
The squad has a few choices if they do decide to alter during the summer break.
The team’s reserve driver at the moment, Liam Lawson showed well when called upon in comparable situations the previous season.
If Red Bull decides it’s time to let go of Perez, Daniel Ricciardo is anticipated to be chosen to take his position.
As he considers yet another crucial driver choice, team principal Christian Horner gave a brief assessment of Ricciardo’s performance at the Belgian Grand Prix via The Athletic.
Last year, Ricciardo had to be switched drivers twice in the middle of the season. First, he took the place of the underperforming Nyck de Vries, and then, after hurting his hand at Zandvoort, he made way for Lawson.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see the seasoned Australian on the move once more prior to his Dutch Grand Prix comeback.
Daniel Ricciardo receives a concise assessment from Christian Horner following the Belgian Grand Prix.
Ricciardo acknowledged that he was going to compete in the two most significant races of his season prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Since Ricciardo hasn’t yet agreed to a contract with RB for 2025, he is battling not just for a promotion but also to stay in Formula 1.
Poor strategy cost him the race at the Hungaoring, and Ricciardo said it was one of his worst ever.
Even though Russell was disqualified from the race despite losing to Esteban Ocon of Alpine on newer tires at the end of the Grand Prix, the Australian managed to inherit what may prove to be a crucial point at Spa.
Regarding the race, Horner conceded, saying, “I believe he’s done okay.” I haven’t followed the race story; all I noticed was his final placing of 11th [which he eventually changed to 10th after Russell was disqualified from the competition].
“It’s clear he drove a strong race, even with the soft tire.”
Whether it will be sufficient to get Ricciardo the promotion he has been hoping for is still to be determined.
Helmut Marko is opposed to Daniel Ricciardo taking over as Red Bull’s manager.
It may be argued that Red Bull currently has too many options and decision-makers, which is problematic.
Red Bull and Marko have extended their deal to the end of 2026, which offers advantages and disadvantages according to Horner.
Although it gives Marko more control over driver choices, it also makes it far harder for Verstappen to quit the team early in the face of Mercedes interest.
Marko and Horner disagree on who should take Perez’s place; Horner wants to see his former driver again.
But as he keeps fighting for the future of the team’s young drivers, Marko prefers Liam Lawson.
If Isack Hadjar wins the championship and keeps up his lead in the standings, he might even be keeping an eye on Formula 2 and the possible predicament they may find themselves in at the conclusion of the year.