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F1 Today Perez contract reaction and Canadian Grand Prix preview

F1 Today | Perez contract reaction and Canadian Grand Prix preview

5 June at 22:00

After the news broke on 4 June that Sergio Perez would be signing a two-year extension at Red Bull Racing, there has been a lot of reaction to the news, as well as answers about certain drivers who were rumoured to be in the mix for that second seat had Perez left the Austrian team. And as the reaction continues to come in surrounding the news on Perez, all teams and drivers gear up for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Reaction to Perez's contract extension

As we know, Red Bull made the decision to stick with Perez for the next two seasons, signing an extension until 2026 after rumours spread about disagreements between the two parties on a contract length. British media had mixed feelings about the re-signing of the Mexican, with the BBC believing his recent performances have not warranted an extension, whereas the Daily Mail says that the contract extension "represents a threat of stability" in the team, something that was perhaps missing before the 2024 season got underway.

Former World Champions also could not agree on whether Red Bull's decision was the correct one. On the one hand, you have two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen believing that the choice has been made to keep the team balance correct, saying it is "important that drivers do not come into conflict... that can completely destroy a team". However, Jacques Villeneuve says that Perez does not deserve this extension, as he is currently having his "worst season ever" at the Austrian team.

One thing that we do know is that it is, almost inevitably, the end of the road for Daniel Ricciardo and his chances of earning another shot at Red Bull after he replaced Nyck de Vries. But will Perez's contract extension be rewarded in the next couple of years? Only time will tell

Doohan set to replace Ocon for FP1

One way that Perez will be able to back up his contract extension is by righting his wrong from Monaco by taking victory at the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend.

Another driver who will be looking to do the same is Esteban Ocon. After his reckless move on his teammate Pierre Gasly meant Ocon retired from the Monaco Grand Prix, there was a lot of talk from team boss Bruno Famin, who said there would be 'consequences' for the Frenchman.

Now we know that Ocon will be leaving Alpine at the end of the season, and one driver who will be looking to take his seat will get a chance to show his stuff in FP1. Reserve driver Jack Doohan will replace Ocon, but only for the first free practice session, and he will hope a positive session will catch the eye of Famin.

Weather report for Montreal

The weather in Montreal can always throw a surprise during any Grand Prix weekend, and this year seems to be no exception.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has given us some incredible wet races during its time on the F1 calendar, and this year could be another. There are expected showers to fall all weekend, so tricky conditions for all drivers could set a shaken-up grid and give us a thrilling race this weekend!