Image: GEPA pictures/ XPB Images/ Bearne (GEPA pictures)
MEXICO CITY. Joy and sorrow are close together in Formula 1 – especially in the Red Bull Racing pits:
While Max Verstappen clinched his 16th win of the season in Mexico City on Sunday, teammate Sergio Perez’s home race was over after around 16 seconds.
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Over-motivated, the Mexican flew off the track in turn one after coming into contact with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. Instead of a turning point, the Grand Prix at home became a low point. “This is a hard moment for him, a serious setback,” team boss Christian Horner knew exactly how Perez was feeling after this weekend.
From the side of the track, the 33-year-old had to watch idly as Lewis Hamilton (2nd) and Leclerc (3rd) stood on the podium next to Verstappen. “I risked too much,” said Perez, who is under increasing pressure. Rumors persist that he will have to vacate his cockpit in the dominant Red Bull. “The results will come. I’m not worried, I’m just a little sad,” Perez expressed his optimism, which the raw numbers don’t convey: In the Drivers’ World Championship, Verstappen (491) has more than twice as many points as Perez ( 240), after victories it is 16:2. At least he ranks second in the World Cup standings.
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If this is lost, it could also mean the end of Perez’s time at Red Bull – at least that’s what critics believe. “It’s not that simple,” said Horner, adding that the exact circumstances have to be taken into account. “He has an agreement with us for next year. And our intention is for him to be in the car in 2024,” assured the Brit.
At the same time, however, Horner raved highly about Daniel Ricciardo, who is considered a possible successor to Perez. The Australian finished seventh in the Alpha Tauri, moving the Red Bull sister team up two places in the constructors’ championship, which is important for the distribution of money. “He completely underlined why we brought him back. He looked like the old Daniel again,” said Horner.
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I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
