'Ultimatum for Perez, Red Bull look to trigger release clause'

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perez must fear early red bull retirement
7 July at 20:52
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  • Corwin Kunst

Sergio Perez is having a disappointing season at Red Bull Racing. And that may cost him his seat, according to De Telegraaf on Sunday evening. The Mexican is said to have been given an ultimatum by the management: he must improve before the summer break, otherwise he risks being sent away.

According to insiders, Horner and Perez met prior to the weekend at Silverstone. The team principal of the Milton Keynes-based team reportedly informed Max Verstappen's teammate that he wants to see improvement before the summer break. We did not see that at Silverstone this weekend, so Perez only has Hungary and Belgium left to show what they would like to see at Red Bull.

Ironically, the veteran signed a new contract just last month, which means he will in principle stay for the Austrian team until 2026. However, Red Bull are reported to have included a clause, allowing them to tear up the new contract and even show him the door.

If Perez has more than 100 points less than Verstappen in the World Championship at the start of the summer break, Red Bull could get rid of him. De Telegraaf writes. After the British GP, the difference is 137 points between the two teammates. It is not said that Red Bull will send away its second driver if the difference is still more than 100 points after Belgium and Hungary, but at least it gives them the option to choose another driver.

Liam Lawson

Who then comes into the picture is Liam Lawson. He made a creditable debut last year as Daniel Ricciardo's replacement at AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App RB). The New Zealander steps into the RB20 this Thursday during a Red Bull filming day at Silverstone. Is that a preview to a seat in Formula 1?

Horner himself denied the aforementioned thing. Among other answers, he told GPblog at Silverstone that Lawson's test has been planned for months.