Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.
Dutch racer Tom Coronel believes that time should be up for Sergio Perez at Red Bull as he battles to secure a new contract.
Perez’s early-season form left very few voices speaking out against him extending his Red Bull stay as he registered three P2 finishes across the opening four races, though the emergence of McLaren and Ferrari as a more potent threat to Red Bull has coincided with a drop in form for Perez.
Sergio Perez told to ‘give up’ Red Bull spot
Perez, who hasn’t secured a podium finish since the Chinese Grand Prix, has dropped to fifth place in the Drivers’ Championship. McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed victory in Miami, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc emerged as the winner in the Monaco Grand Prix. These results indicate that Red Bull might face a challenging battle for the title.
Despite widespread reports of Perez signing a new Red Bull deal, Coronel holds a differing opinion, asserting that Perez’s time at Red Bull should come to an end.
Speaking on the RacingNews365.com podcast, Coronel said: “It’s the same every time. The problem is, [Christian] Horner very much wants to keep Perez, that’s my feeling.
“He must be wearing an extra cap, there is simply no alternative. Otherwise, that would have been altered a while ago.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to Perez for his services. Your skills are commendable, but it is time to step aside. It’s time to accept that your time in this position is over.”
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Perez, in a conversation with various media outlets such as PlanetF1.com prior to the Monaco GP, shared an update regarding his future with Red Bull, confirming that discussions for a new contract were currently taking place.
He mentioned that the negotiations are currently in progress.
You will be the first to know when we reach that point!
Perez’s race in the Monaco GP came to an abrupt end due to a major crash on the first lap. He collided with Kevin Magnussen from Haas while heading up the hill after Sainte Devote, resulting in his elimination from the race.
Magnussen, too, found himself on Coronel’s list of potential cuts, as he believed in the significance of giving newcomers an opportunity in the world of Formula 1.
Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman is being strongly linked with a Haas seat for F1 2025, which has been referred to as a “sure deal”.
Coronel emphasized the importance of new recruits, highlighting individuals like Kevin Magnussen who consistently get re-signed. He stated that those who have already had their opportunity should make way for fresh talent.
There are strong rumors connecting Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Bearman’s Formula 2 team-mate, with the Mercedes seat for the 2025 F1 season. This seat will become available as Lewis Hamilton is reportedly moving to Ferrari.
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