F1 | Red Bull: Perez saved by sponsors and team stability

Sergio Perez’s confirmation at Red Bull Racing came last Monday after the meeting between the top management of Red Bull and, at first, it seemed to be a matter that could be classified with the saying “much ado about nothing”. But, be careful: the present and future of the Mexican driver was really hanging by a thread. Moreover, a very thin thread.

The parameters for his immediate replacement were all there. The clauses that are part of his contract regarding the points gap with Max Verstappen speak clearly, as does the Drivers’ World Championship standings (Max has more than double the points compared to Perez: 277 to 131). To add to an already lacklustre situation, Perez has obtained just 28 points in the last 8 Grands Prix against the 151 of a Max who has scored 3 victories and other important placings.

Even the words of Helmut Marko first and Christian Horner later seemed to have a very precise aim. That is, to underline the reasons why Perez would have been left out already at the beginning of the summer break. Then, however, something changed and it did so in a way as sudden as it was decisive.

While everyone was waiting for the team’s statement, the parties involved had the opportunity to weigh all the details involved in the matter and, as we know, the devil is in those, in the details. On the one hand, the fear – concrete – of Red Bull of seeing a Constructors’ World Championship title stolen from them, which until the beginning of the summer seemed only a mere formality. On the other hand, however, more than one valid argument in support of Perez.

It is clear that we are not referring to the results, those have always been in favor of those in Milton Keynes who wanted to remove him with immediate effect. We are talking about the sponsors who have always supported Checo’s career and who evidently have a significant relevance also in the renewal of the agreement signed a few weeks ago between the parties.

Perez’s sponsors had a say, indeed, pushing to confirm Checo at least until the end of the current season. But his permanence in Red Bull had at least two other good reasons that supported it.

The first of these is Carlos Slim. The Mexican magnate and his son – Carlos Slim Domit – have been supporting their nation’s top athletes financially for several years. Perez, throughout his career, has benefited from several interventions by the richest man in Mexico, both in terms of resources and political-sports support. This was only the latest in chronological order in favor of the 34-year-old, but, as always, it was of fundamental importance.

Red Bull Racing, therefore, has preferred the economic aspect – not losing money from the agreements in place – to the sporting one. If Perez were to continue with the momentum he has had in the last few months and the RB20 were no longer to be the reference single-seater from now until the end of the World Championship, then the victory of the Constructors’ World Championship would be in check. A real danger, especially with a strong McLaren that can play with 2 strikers every race weekend.

The last aspect that cannot be underestimated is the Mexico City Grand Prix that will be held from October 25 to 27. The Central American event is based and fueled by Sergio’s presence on the grid. If Checo had been sidelined, it would have been difficult to think of making big numbers in terms of attendance in the stands. And this, Liberty Media, would not have been happy about.

So this is what pushed Red Bull to confirm Perez. A safe choice from an economic point of view, but risky from a sporting one, which could even lead to jeopardizing at least the pursuit of a title in favor of a stability that is precarious.

In all this, the destiny of Daniel Ricciardo has changed, chosen to take Perez’s place and now destined to remain in Racing Bulls at least until the end of the season. That of Liam Lawson has also changed, who yesterday took part in a day of testing on an AT03 to get back in touch with a latest-generation Formula 1 in view of his return to the track. But with the reconfirmation of Checo and Ricciardo still in Faenza, his destiny – barring sensational surprises – is to remain a reserve driver until the end of 2024. A stalemate that, depending on the sporting results, could lead to deep discontent at the end of the season.