Schumacher: 'There is really no future at Red Bull for him'

Before qualifying, Schumacher discussed the 34-year-old driver's situation with the German branch of Sky Sports. According to the former Formula 1 driver, Perez "actually has no future" at Red Bull anymore. And maybe not even in Formula 1 anymore. "I think that already became clear last year. I was surprised that he would get the chance again this year, and now it's even worse."

Schumacher therefore has the following advice for Helmut Marko and Christian Horner. "You almost get the feeling that they should let him, the pressure is too much," said the younger brother of seven-time world champion Michael. That Perez can be a fast driver is not in dispute, according to him. However, it is simply too moderate at the moment. "But there are also guys from Formula 2 coming up. So it will be difficult for him, I think he is more likely to hang up his racing helmet."

Lots of young talent aiming for F1 seat

That Red Bull has the requisite juniors with qualities running around in its own training programme was evident again on Sunday morning. Isack Hadjar won the main race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, getting ever closer to the F2 title. If the young Frenchman wins, he will not be allowed to race in that step-up class again next year, so a promotion to sister team Visa Cash App RB is not illogical.

But, Red Bull also still has Liam Lawson, who is aiming for a seat with the sister team. In the meantime, the team, therefore, has to do something with Daniel Ricciardo and Perez's positions. Yuki Tsunoda already has a contract at VCARB for 2025.

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy