Is it the final blow for Perez at Red Bull? 'Will be measured against Max'
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It was an unusual turn of events: Ayrton Senna wanting to drive for Williams for free in 1994. And history is repeating itself, at least, if Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is to be believed. The Brit told Sky Sports that there are drivers who have offered to join the most dominant team in Formula 1 for free.
Red Bull managed to win 21 out of 22 races in 2023, 19 of which were won by Max Verstappen. For Sergio Perez, there was a lot of criticism. He did not come close to Verstappen, and there were noises that there were drivers ready to take over his seat.
'2024 important year in F1'
Perez will stay with the team for 2024, but Horner stressed that it is an important year: "A lot of drivers' contracts are coming to a close. We've got great talent in our own stable. Of course the car is very attractive for other drivers to want to be in."
Horner: 'Drivers offer themselves to Red Bull for free'
When Horner is asked if any drivers, like Senna at Williams, have offered themselves for free to drive for Red Bull, he replied: "There's been a little bit of that, but there's no guarantees of anything. Checo is our driver. If he does well, we'll want to keep him for 2025, but it's all about how he performs in relation to his team-mate."