As had happened on previous occasions, the news that Red Bull has renewed Sergio Pérez again (this time for two years) raised numerous criticisms on social networks, given the difference in performance of the Mexican compared to his teammate Max Verstappen.
However, if we step out of the skin of the fan and put ourselves in that of a team manager, Checo’s renewal for Red Bull makes more sense.
The main objective of an F1 team is not for its drivers to finish first and second in the world championship, but for one of them to win the drivers’ title and, together with the other’s points, also get the constructors’ title. Except in 2021, when Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton but the champion was Mercedes, Red Bull won the 2022 and 2023 crowns with Verstappen and Pérez as a couple, and in 2024 they also lead the championship.
It is true that in 2024 the competition seems greater, and Red Bull is no longer so assured of the title. It is also true that in 2023, with Verstappen’s points alone, they would have won both world championships. But, be that as it may, Red Bull has achieved those championships, which was its main objective.
At this point, no one will be surprised by the fact that Red Bull is betting everything on Verstappen, who has already responded by being a three-time champion and is on his way to a four-time championship. And, in that desire to make the Dutchman feel as comfortable as possible, Pérez’s continuity will allow him to maintain the well-being that is not seen in the lineups of other teams.
Signing a driver who could be closer to Verstappen’s performance (and it remains to be seen) could help Red Bull guarantee the constructors’ title, but at the same time it would threaten to break the harmony at a time when Max continues to tear the leaves apart. daisy about whether to swear eternal love or leave in the short or medium term after the departure of Adrian Newey and the controversies within the team last winter.
It is logical that fans want lineups with more equality between teammates, who rub their hands for the Charles Leclerc – Lewis Hamilton that Ferrari will have in 2025, and who would have given everything to see Verstappen alongside Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris or Carlos Sainz (especially in the countries of those pilots). But the team makes the decisions, and after having studied all the possibilities and having spoken with other drivers, what worked best for them was to continue with Pérez.
And no one forgets, by the way, how important the Mexican market is and that Pérez continues to be a driver with important support in the form of sponsors.
