Brundle in 'critical' Perez warning: 'Red Bull can't take a passenger'

Martin Brundle has delivered a warning to Sergio Perez over his future in Formula 1 with Red Bull.

The Mexican's place alongside Max Verstappen has come under intense scrutiny since the summer break as continued struggles behind the wheel of the RB19 continue to hamper his chances of finishing second in the Drivers' standings.

Whilst Perez holds the position, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton has closed the gap right down despite the gulf in performance between the two cars to 30 points ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

Red Bull has never secured a one-two in the Drivers' standings and with Perez's poor form continuing into the Qatar Grand Prix last time out, Team Principal Christian Horner pointed to the importance of having two performant drivers next season as Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren close in.

'He has a contract'

Despite the speculation about his future, Red Bull has continuously insisted Perez's contract through to the end of next year will be honoured.

"He has a contract," Brundle told Sky Sports F1.

"Sergio Perez and Red Bull want exactly the same thing: they want him to refind his form and, if he can't beat Max, at least deliver some solid second places and grab second in the World Championship.

"Red Bull can't take a passenger into 2024 if he is not on form and I can't imagine that Sergio would want to drive it either if I am honest.

"So these next races are critical for his head and for Red Bull to be satisfied that he has not lost his way and that he can do this."