Red Bull Contentpool
F1 News
Horner creates speculation about Perez's future with these statements
Sergio Perez's future is still uncertain. Although Red Bull Racing are doing all they can to make it clear that Perez will drive for Red Bull in 2024, Christian Horner's choice of words is not going unnoticed.
Perez still has a contract until 2024 at Red Bull Racing and therefore seems certain of a seat in Formula 1. Yet things are rumbling on all sides. Daniel Ricciardo is vying for the Mexican's seat, and Fernando Alonso has also been put forward as a potential replacement in recent weeks.
Speculation over Sergio Perez's seat
It is clear that Perez is not quite living up to expectations this year. Whereas he took a clear step forward in 2022 compared to 2021, he has taken a step back in 2023. Statistics clearly show that the gap between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez has widened again, which would also raise doubts among Red Bull's management.
Those doubts are not being dispelled at Red Bull. Christian Horner does say he wants to keep Perez for 2024, but the choice of words does not help credibility. "I am absolutely confident and clear that Checo will be our driver next year. We're planning to continue, we have announced the AlphaTauri drivers, we have our Red Bull drivers and that is how we intend to go racing in 2024," Horner revealed according to The Race.
With the words 'intention' and 'plan', Horner keeps room for speculation. Consciously or unconsciously, Red Bull Racing's team boss thereby ensures that speculation remains possible. If the plan is to continue with Perez, why not make that definite? Why must it be stated that it is the intention and not simply what will happen?