Red Bull’s 2025 Challenges: Should Sergio Pérez Be Replaced?

Max Verstappen’s victory in Brazil was an impressive feat, once again underlining his dominance in Formula 1. However, amid the excitement of Verstappen’s triumph, a crucial issue that has been brewing at Red Bull Racing has been somewhat overlooked. Despite their extraordinary success, Red Bull is facing significant problems, particularly with their second driver, Sergio Pérez. While Verstappen has secured victories and championship points, Pérez’s struggles have been undeniably detrimental to the team, and the effects are starting to show more than ever.

As it stands, Red Bull’s focus has shifted beyond just Verstappen’s success to include the larger issue of securing the Team Championship. With Pérez failing to score any points in Brazil, just as he had done in his home race in Mexico, Red Bull is now likely to finish the season in third place in the constructors’ standings, unless an unexpected change occurs with McLaren or Ferrari. This is a situation that could cost the team millions of dollars in prize money, along with creating dissatisfaction within their workforce who are facing the consequences of reduced bonuses due to the team’s underperformance.

Red Bull’s Team Championship Struggles

Currently, Red Bull is in an increasingly precarious position. Despite having the best car on the grid, their failure to have both cars consistently scoring points is jeopardizing their chances of securing the constructors’ championship. This was made painfully clear when Verstappen’s consistent top finishes were not complemented by Pérez’s struggles. The Mexican driver, once considered a key player for Red Bull’s second seat, has failed to perform consistently at the level required to help the team maintain its dominant position.

Pérez’s poor performance, particularly in recent races, has been a significant blow to Red Bull’s overall standing. Despite a competitive car, Pérez has repeatedly struggled to make his mark in races. Even during the Brazilian Grand Prix, where the team offered him a new car frame to help improve his performance, his pace was nowhere near that of Verstappen’s. This lack of competitiveness is starting to weigh heavily on the team and on the future of the Mexican driver at Red Bull.

The Impact on Red Bull’s Team Dynamics

Team Principal Christian Horner recently opened up about the team’s efforts to support Pérez, acknowledging the struggles but also emphasizing the importance of having both drivers score points. “Formula 1 isn’t just about one car,” Horner remarked, emphasizing that for Red Bull to succeed in securing the constructors’ championship, they need both of their drivers to perform consistently. Unfortunately for Pérez, his performance in the Brazilian race was lackluster, and despite the team’s best efforts, the situation continues to worsen.

The lack of consistency from Pérez means Red Bull’s dominant performances are often limited to Verstappen alone. Although Verstappen’s victory in Brazil was spectacular, it was not enough to close the gap to McLaren or Ferrari in the team championship standings. With just a few races left, this situation is putting significant pressure on Red Bull to make changes before the next season, as failure to win the constructors’ title could cost them millions in prize money.

Red Bull’s Search for a Replacement

The question of whether Pérez deserves to remain with Red Bull next season is becoming more pressing. Team boss Christian Horner has acknowledged that while Pérez’s performance has been disappointing, the team has worked hard to support him, giving him the tools to succeed. However, Horner also pointed out that there’s only so much the team can do, and when results don’t come, criticism from all sides is inevitable. Despite the efforts, Red Bull seems to be at a crossroads regarding Pérez’s future with the team.

As a result, speculation about a potential replacement has been growing. While Horner remains diplomatic, saying that Pérez is still the team’s driver for now, he has hinted that Red Bull is keeping a close eye on potential replacements for the 34-year-old Mexican. Among the drivers being considered are Liam Lawson, a standout talent from Red Bull’s junior program. Lawson has impressed in his brief stints with AlphaTauri, scoring points in both the United States and Brazil, and could be the ideal candidate to partner Verstappen next season.

Lawson’s consistent performances have positioned him as a strong contender for the second seat at Red Bull. Although Pérez has the backing of important sponsors from his home country, such as Carlos Slim and Telmex, Red Bull might be willing to make a difficult decision if Lawson’s results continue to improve. The financial backing from Mexico is a significant factor in Pérez’s continued presence at Red Bull, but his inability to score points consistently may soon outweigh the value of this sponsorship.

The Alternatives: Lawson and Kolapinto

The possibility of replacing Pérez with another driver is something Red Bull is actively considering. Both Lawson and Franco Kolapinto have shown their potential in recent races. Lawson, in particular, has impressed with his mature performances, while Kolapinto’s recent result in Brazil, where he started from third and finished seventh, also caught the team’s attention. Kolapinto’s performance in Brazil was especially notable as he managed to finish in a strong position despite facing a red flag that disrupted the race.

One important factor that sets Lawson apart from other contenders is his relationship with Red Bull. Having been part of the team’s driver development program, Lawson is already well integrated into Red Bull’s operations. His familiarity with the team’s expectations and his experience with AlphaTauri makes him a natural choice for Red Bull, should they decide to make a change. On the other hand, Kolapinto, who has impressed with Williams, would bring an added benefit of continuing Red Bull’s presence in Latin America, which could be valuable from a marketing perspective.

The Sponsors and Financial Implications

A significant part of the discussion surrounding Pérez’s future at Red Bull is the financial implications of replacing him. As mentioned earlier, Pérez is supported by major sponsors like Carlos Slim and Telmex, which provide Red Bull with considerable financial backing. If Pérez were replaced, the team would risk losing this valuable sponsorship, which could impact their revenue streams.

On the other hand, Lawson, while potentially less financially lucrative, offers a more long-term solution for the team. Red Bull has invested heavily in their junior drivers, and bringing in someone from their development program would be a vote of confidence in their ability to cultivate talent. This move could also boost Red Bull’s image as a team that invests in young, promising drivers, a reputation that would be valuable in the long run.

Conclusion: Time for a Change?

The situation at Red Bull Racing is undeniably tense. While Max Verstappen’s dominance continues to carry the team to victory, the lack of consistent performances from Sergio Pérez is starting to impact the team’s chances of securing the constructors’ championship. With financial implications at stake and the future of the team’s second seat in question, Red Bull may soon be forced to make a decision about Pérez’s future.

If Pérez’s poor performances continue in the remaining races of the season, Red Bull may look to replace him with Liam Lawson or another talented driver from their junior program. The pressure is mounting, and Red Bull will need to act quickly to ensure they have a strong team to help Verstappen in his quest for more titles in the years to come. Whether Pérez can turn his form around or if a change is imminent, only time will tell.