Sergio Perez’s wrecked Red Bull RB20.
Ahead of Red Bull’s summer break discussions, Robert Doornbos reckons Sergio Perez has left Red Bull a “bit stuck” as to who can replace him, but they have to do something.
Perez crashed in Saturday’s qualifying at the Hungaroring when he got it wrong at Turn 8 as he took too much kerb and slammed into the barriers.
Sergio Perez’s latest qualifying crash dubbed ‘unnecessary’
Over the last six rounds, the Mexican driver has been eliminated in Q1 for the fourth time, placing him in 16th position.
Team boss Christian Horner recently disclosed that the team is unable to function properly, likening it to running on one leg. This could potentially be the last issue that pushes Red Bull over the edge.
Perez has scored just 11 points in the last five races while Max Verstappen has brought in 94 in a season in which Red Bull are under pressure from McLaren.
“When I witnessed that yellow flag, I was already suffering from a stomach ache,” Doornbos conveyed to Ziggo Sport, reflecting on Perez’s recent crash. “He had a promising practice session where he was fully engaged and his momentum was building up again.”
“I noticed the yellow flag positioned in the middle sector, followed by Perez’s motionless figure, after which the vivid image of the crash flashed before me.”
“In my opinion, your body language spoke volumes, indicating that continuing from Q1 is unnecessary as you are already in a favorable position.”
He exclaimed, “During Perez’s peak at Force India or Racing Point, I witnessed him skillfully maneuver the pink car out of a drift at Eau Rouge, leaving no doubt that he had the quickest reflexes among all the drivers in the paddock.”
“He wonders how this is even feasible. He has to allow the other car to pass. Thoughts race through his mind: ‘Max keeps gaining half a second on me, should I push my limits a bit further? Perhaps Max is contemplating the same.'”
“The team had already advised him to release Max, considering he is competing against one of the most exceptional drivers in history. His primary focus should be on his own car.”
According to Doornbos, Perez’s crash damage expenses for this season are already approaching five million, and it is likely to exceed that amount by the end of the year.
“He mentioned that the incidents occurred in Monaco, Canada, Silverstone, and Budapest,” he stated. “The total damage he has caused may have reached five million. That is quite a significant amount. Specifically, Monaco alone accounted for 2.5 million in damages.”
“He is expected to achieve a five million milestone this year, which will directly affect your budget limit and have a significant impact on all aspects of the team.”
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Sergio Perez is holding Red Bull ‘hostage’
After the Belgian Grand Prix, when Formula 1 enters the summer break, Helmut Marko, the motorsport boss of Red Bull, has affirmed that discussions will take place regarding Red Bull’s driver lineup.
Doornbos has recommended Red Bull to part ways with Perez, acknowledging that the team is facing a dilemma since they cannot depend on either of their current drivers, Yuki Tsunoda or Daniel Ricciardo.
According to him, it is believed that Nico Hulkenberg, who has already committed to Audi, is Red Bull’s top choice to replace Perez.
“It revolves around possessing self-assurance. It can be excruciating, but it’s also the essence of top-level competition. If someone fails to deliver, there comes a point where it all ends. This is truly tragic and distressing.”
“Tsunoda dismissed the car as a write-off. Ricciardo did enjoy a good day, although it varies on a daily basis.”
“Red Bull is facing a significant issue as he is effectively holding the team captive. Previously, their rotation operated at a much quicker pace, but now they seem to be stuck. It’s likely that there is someone who willingly accepts the role of being second to Max and driving three-tenths slower.”
Nevertheless, a driver matching that description has already made it known that he is transitioning from Haas to Audi.
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