Motorsport

Sergio Perez admits to poor season with speculation over Red Bull future

Perez is eighth in the drivers’ standings.

Sergio Perez is under increasing pressure at Red Bull (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
Sergio Perez is under increasing pressure at Red Bull (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) (Moises Castillo/AP)
By Scott Hunt, PA, Mexico City

Sergio Perez admits he has had a “terrible season” as speculation continues over his future at Red Bull.

Perez is eighth in the drivers’ standings – 204 points behind team-mate Max Verstappen – and his highest finish in the last 13 races is sixth.

Red Bull are under pressure to hold on to their constructors’ crown, having lost the lead to McLaren – who are now 40 points clear – and seen Ferrari pull to within eight points.

That has increased the need for Perez to contribute more points in support of drivers’ championship leader Verstappen over the remaining five races.

Sergio Perez has struggled to match the performance of team-mate Max Verstappen (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
Sergio Perez has struggled to match the performance of team-mate Max Verstappen (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) (Moises Castillo/AP)

The 34-year-old, who finished seventh last time out in Austin, is hopeful that a positive result at his home race in Mexico this weekend can be the catalyst for a strong end to the season.

“I know I have had a terrible season. It started really well but it has been really difficult for me,” Perez said.

“If I get a strong result (here), it can definitely change my season massively, I am really up for it.

“Having Ferrari there does not change anything, we want to win the constructors, finishing second and third is no difference.

“We want to win it and for that we need both cars with the best possible performance and best possible package.”

The return of New Zealander Liam Lawson, who has replaced Daniel Ricciardo at sister team RB after a successful spell last season, has heightened speculation over Perez’s position.

Liam Lawson impressed on his F1 return (AP Photo/Nick Didlick)
Liam Lawson impressed on his F1 return (AP Photo/Nick Didlick) (Nick Didlick/AP)

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Lawson looked like a “veteran” as he finished ninth in his first race back for RB in Austin last weekend.

Perez, who only signed a new deal with the team in June, says he is focused on his own performances and wants to end his wait for a podium.

“Momentum in F1 is very important,” Perez added. “If I get a good one here, then the season can take a huge turn.

“The most important thing is that I feel comfortable in the car. At the moment we are unable to unlock the full potential of the car.

“I feel that we are working towards solving it. We are heading in the right direction. This is Formula One, sometimes the results are not coming, you have to keep your head down and focus on the stuff that you can control.”