Could Sergio Perez be approaching the end of his time at Red Bull?
Thursday’s F1 news roundup from the Belgian Grand Prix paddock leads on crucial information on Red Bull’s plans to replace Sergio Perez, with two names in the frame and a potential contract buyout mooted.
It’s a must-read…
No clear favourite in race to replace Sergio Perez
There is currently no frontrunner identified by PlanetF1.com in the competition between Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson for the vacant seat at Red Bull, replacing Sergio Perez for the latter part of the F1 2024 season.
After the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, there is a growing possibility that Perez will be dismissed from Red Bull. His contract includes a provision that permits Red Bull to terminate his contract if he falls more than 100 points behind Verstappen by the summer break. Presently, the gap between them amounts to 141 points.
Both VCARB driver Ricciardo and Red Bull reserve Lawson have emerged as potential candidates to become Verstappen’s teammate for the remainder of the 2024 F1 season. PlanetF1.com has gathered that both drivers are still being considered for the role.
Read more: Significant Sergio Perez development emerges with two drivers in Red Bull contention
Bruno Famin to leave Alpine with new team principal lined up
Bruno Famin will be stepping down from his position as Alpine team principal, and it is anticipated that Oliver Oakes, the chief of the F2 team Hitech, will assume the role as his successor.
Alpine’s 2024 F1 season has been disastrous, with their current position at eighth in the Constructors’ standings and a mere eight points earned in the first 13 races.
Sources have informed PlanetF1.com that Famin is expected to transition into a new position within the Renault organization, nearly a year after Otmar Szafnauer’s public dismissal at Spa.
Read more: Alpine set for another new team boss with Bruno Famin departure imminent
Lewis Hamilton in ‘act like a World Champion’ reminder to Max Verstappen
After Max Verstappen fumed throughout last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has advised him to “behave like a World Champion.”
During the race, Verstappen was overheard expressing dissatisfaction with both his Red Bull RB20 and the team’s strategy through the team radio. In the final laps, a collision occurred between Verstappen and Hamilton, followed by Verstappen sharing his thoughts on his critics using some strong language.
Hamilton, the driver with the highest number of accolades in the history of the sport, has emphasized the significance of drivers conducting themselves appropriately.
Lewis, what does it mean to act like a World Champion? “Definitely not like last weekend,” he commented.
Read more: ‘Act like a World Champion’ – Lewis Hamilton aims dig at Max Verstappen after Hungary clash
Logan Sargeant hits back at Marcus Ericsson over Williams rumour
Logan Sargeant has dismissed Marcus Ericsson’s statement that he and Williams team boss James Vowles hardly acknowledge each other anymore, stating that it is completely false.
Ericsson, who previously drove for Sauber and is now a prominent IndyCar racer, indicated that Sargeant and Vowles have a strained relationship, with the American driver expressing dissatisfaction and a lack of enjoyment within the team.
When questioned by PlanetF1.com at Spa, Sargeant responded directly to Ericsson’s comments, stating: “Marcus Ericsson is known for making statements about others without ever having had a conversation with me personally.”
Read more: Marcus Ericsson under fire for spreading ‘completely untrue’ Williams rumour
Ralf Schumacher claims Audi F1 project was ‘on brink of collapse’
After a “small miscalculation” nearly led to the collapse of Audi’s F1 2026 entry, Zhou Guanyu was chosen by Sauber to continue with them for the F1 2024 season.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher makes the stunning assertion that the team had to undergo refinancing due to a massive €1 billion deficit.
Earlier this week, Audi made an announcement regarding a management restructure. Mattia Binotto has been appointed to replace Andreas Seidl and will now hold the dual position of chief operating and technical officer.
According to Schumacher, the issues within the current Sauber team are much more extensive than that.
Read more: F1 team ‘on brink of collapse’ forced to keep driver after ‘miscalculation’ – report
