Jos Verstappen wants Sergio Perez immediately sacked by Red Bull because of…read more
Jos Verstappen, father of reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen, is advocating for Red Bull Racing to replace Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson for the last three races of the 2024 F1 season. Verstappen’s call follows Perez’s prolonged struggles, which have significantly impacted both his standing and Red Bull’s overall performance this year. According to Jos Verstappen, introducing Lawson to the team now would give the young driver essential experience and allow Red Bull to evaluate its options for the future.
Perez’s difficulties began shortly after a strong start to the season, with his last podium finish dating back to the Chinese Grand Prix in April. Since then, he has faced a drastic decline in form, slipping from second to eighth in the drivers’ standings. Once a clear runner-up contender, Perez is now trailing Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton by 39 points. His decline has been marked by inconsistent qualifying performances, frequent mistakes, and crashes, creating a stark contrast with Max Verstappen’s dominant run. With only one driver consistently scoring top points, Red Bull has fallen to third in the constructors’ standings, jeopardizing their hopes of defending the championship title.
Given these issues, there’s been widespread speculation about Perez’s future with the team, and Jos Verstappen’s latest comments reflect a growing sense that Perez’s tenure at Red Bull may be coming to an end. Speaking with Viaplay, Verstappen expressed confidence in Lawson’s ability to take on the role, stating that the 22-year-old New Zealander is “ready to step up.” Lawson has performed commendably in substitute roles this season, sparking interest in his potential as a full-time driver.
Jos Verstappen believes that bringing in a more competitive driver could help maintain Red Bull’s momentum and motivate Max Verstappen by providing a stronger challenge. He remarked, “It’s better to have someone who is competitive and pushes Max a little bit. That always helps.” While he stopped short of confirming a specific decision, he made it clear that he is open to seeing Lawson complete the season alongside Max, allowing him to build confidence under Red Bull’s direct guidance.
With the end of the season approaching, Red Bull’s decision on Perez is a significant talking point, especially as teams solidify their driver line-ups for 2025. While no official move has been announced, Jos Verstappen’s statement underscores the pressure Perez faces as he works to salvage his performance amidst calls for a new face at Red Bull.
