The Economic Weight of Sergio Pérez in Red Bull: Critics and Manager’s Response
Critics of Mexican driver Sergio Pérez have begun to use the economic weight of his presence in Red Bull as a new key to question his position in the champion team. Comments suggesting that Pérez’s market influence is what keeps him in the team have been increasingly constant, but team leader Christian Horner has dismissed these claims.
Mika Hakkinen recently highlighted that “Mexico is a large sales market and that has an effect on certain things,” leading to questions about the financial impact of potentially getting rid of the man from Guadalajara. However, Horner ruled out the idea that they would have lost “considerable income” if they parted ways with Pérez.
“Whatever sponsors we have, they are totally independent of any driver,” Horner responded to these speculations. “Checo is in the car on merit because we believe he is the best driver to be alongside Max. He has nothing to do with any of our partners.”
When asked about the possibility of renewing Pérez’s contract until 2025, Horner indicated that it will depend exclusively on the Mexican driver to stay in a seat that “many people want,” and will be based solely on performance results.
“It is the seat that Checo will have to lose. He is the starter in that position and a lot will depend on how he does next season. But we don’t lack talent within the group and, obviously, outside the group there has also been great interest,” Horner pointed out.
He also emphasized the support given to Pérez during the 2023 season, despite adverse results, and stated that the initial intention is to continue with this support in 2024. If conditions are favorable, a renewal could potentially be considered.