After the Japanese GP horror show, Horner jeopardizes Perez’s Red Bull future.

After Perez’s nightmare race at Suzuka, which ended early with no points, Red Bull chief Horner acknowledged he would be considering other drivers for that position.

When Sergio Perez’s contract expires the following year, Red Bull will “explore its options.”.

For the majority of this season, it has been unclear how the Mexican will fit into the team. He had a strong start with two victories in the first four races, but he hasn’t tasted victory since and hasn’t really challenged teammate Max Verstappen.

There will be plenty of options to potentially replace Perez when his current contract expires the following year. Even among Red Bull employees, Daniel Ricciardo has been open about his desire to rejoin the elite team, and Yuki Tsunoda also wants to make a case for consideration.

One of those two drivers might be promoted to make room for Liam Lawson, who is pounding on the door for an AlphaTauri seat in Formula 1.
Christian Horner, the team owner, has repeatedly stated his commitment to upholding Perez’s entire contract, but he makes no further guarantees.

“At Red Bull Racing, we want the best two drivers out there,” he declared.
Max [Verstappen] and I are bound by a binding long-term contract.
You should look into and consider all of those options because Checo [Perez]’s contract expires at the end of 24.

“Checo is currently in the hot seat and will undoubtedly be eager to extend.
Daniel’s performance, Yuki’s performance, and Liam’s potential in the test and reserve roles will all be watched.
“.

Perez’s performance at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday was nothing short of a catastrophe. He had a podium spot in sight as he started fifth on the grid, but from the moment the race started, things started to go wrong.

Prior to the first corner, he struck Lewis Hamilton, damaging his own front wing.
He changed cars at the end of the opening lap, but he later damaged that one when he hit Kevin Magnussen’s Haas.

The 33-year-old was given another penalty for causing the collision after serving one for violating the safety car rule. Red Bull forced him to retire his car before taking advantage of a gap in the regulations to get him back out on the track to serve his other penalty, retire once more, and escape punishment for the subsequent race in Qatar.

The only positive aspect of Perez’s time, according to Horner, was his creative use of the rules.
He continued, calling it a “shocker” of a race, “It got off to a bad start.
It was just one of those weekends after he dive-bombed one of the Haases.
“.