Former F1 world champion Damon Hill feels Sergio Perez is leaving Max Verstappen-starrer Red Bull ‘one-legged’ in their battle with McLaren and Ferrari. In the 2024 season, three different constructors have won the last three races. In all these races, it has been found out that McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull are beck-to-neck with each other. Thus, the onus to make a difference is on the drivers. While Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, etc. have stepped up at one point or the other, Perez has seen a dip in form of late.
While Perez finds himself at the fifth spot, with four podium finishes so far, he hasn’t topped any race in 2024. Moreover, he has been out of the top-three in the last three races. This has led to Red Bull’s championship lead decreasing significantly. Hence, Hill claimed that the battle for the title is well on the cards. In addition, he opined that Perez has left his team in a fix.
On F1 nation podcast, Hill stated, “I definitely think it’s game on. There are two teams that are showing pace and closing the gap on certain circuits to Red Bull. Don’t forget they [Ferrari and McLaren] have both got two drivers who can attack. I’m not sure you can say that of Checo (Perez).
He added, “[They’re] a little bit one-legged at the moment, Red Bull, if they want to defend. It’s no good being three-tenths away from Verstappen anymore, because so many cars can jump in that gap. The gaps have become smaller and smaller.”
Recently, Perez signed a new contract with Red Bull, extending his stay until 2026. The driver, who has not been able to advance to Q3 and logged only a pitiful four points in the last two rounds, has been with the team since 2021 and seen them win three drivers and two constructors’ titles.
After his contract extension, Perez said in a press release, “I am really happy to commit my future to this great Team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track. I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this Team’s great history for two more years. Being part of the Team is an immense challenge, and one I love.”
All eyes will be on how Perez fares in the next race, i.e. the Canadian Grand Prix on June 9.
