Great Decision: Danica Patrick Advises Red Bull on Sergio Pérez’s Future After the Las Vegas GP.
Sergio Pérez has had a rollercoaster season with Red Bull Racing in 2024, marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of inconsistency. Following the drama-filled Las Vegas Grand Prix, former racing driver and motorsport analyst Danica Patrick weighed in with her thoughts on how Red Bull should handle the situation. Known for her candid opinions, Patrick’s insights highlight the delicate balance Red Bull must strike to maintain dominance in Formula 1.
Pérez’s Season in Review
As Max Verstappen dominated the championship once again, Sergio Pérez found himself in the shadows of his illustrious teammate. Pérez’s strong start to the season with podiums and victories suggested he could mount a title challenge. However, midseason struggles, including crashes and poor qualifying performances, raised questions about his long-term fit at Red Bull.
At the Las Vegas GP, Pérez showed resilience, finishing well despite external pressure and a challenging circuit. Still, the whispers about his future persist, with younger talents like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda waiting in the wings.
Patrick, a former IndyCar star and NASCAR driver, has consistently advocated for drivers being given the tools and confidence to perform at their best. In a recent interview, she emphasized that Red Bull’s management style could be the key to unlocking Pérez’s potential—or cutting him loose.
“Red Bull needs to make a decision based on what’s best for the team in the long run,” Patrick said. “If they believe in Sergio, they need to back him completely—no half-measures. That means giving him the same resources and opportunities as Max, even if it’s clear Max is the benchmark. But if they’ve lost faith, they should move forward decisively.”
Patrick noted that wavering between full support and considering replacements could harm team morale and Pérez’s performance.
One of Pérez’s greatest assets is his ability to play the team role, often sacrificing personal glory to help Verstappen and secure the Constructors’ Championship. His experience and racecraft make him a reliable asset in wheel-to-wheel battles.
Patrick argued that Red Bull should capitalize on Pérez’s strengths: “Sergio is an incredible racer when his confidence is high. If Red Bull can work on building his mental toughness and giving him a car that suits his style, they’ll have a perfect number-two driver.”
The Case for Moving On
On the flip side, Patrick acknowledged that Red Bull might benefit from injecting fresh energy into their lineup. Young talents like Lawson, who impressed during his substitute appearances, or a more consistent driver could bring renewed vigor to the team.
“If they’re eyeing someone younger or hungrier, now might be the time to make the switch,” Patrick suggested. “But that decision has to come with clarity and conviction. You can’t keep one foot in both camps.”
The ball is firmly in Red Bull’s court as they decide how to approach 2025 and beyond. With Verstappen as their cornerstone, the second seat must complement his dominance while contributing to the team’s overall objectives.
Patrick’s advice boils down to a simple yet profound strategy: commit. Whether Red Bull chooses to back Pérez or look elsewhere, they must do so with full focus and unwavering intent.
As Formula 1 looks ahead to its next chapter, Pérez’s future at Red Bull will be one of the most closely watched stories. For now, Patrick’s words offer a blueprint for how Red Bull can make a “great decision” that ensures their continued success.
GET RELATED CONTENTS ON BLACKSPORTNEWS.CO.UK