Sergio Perez's relative underperformance at Red Bull could mean the Mexican is set for a reduction in his salary, according to reports in the Dutch media.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, De Telegraaf reported on Saturday that Perez's contract can be adjusted this month if the Mexican is at least 125 points behind teammate and championship leader Max Verstappen by the time F1's summer break rolls around.
The Dutchman's win at last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix put the gap between the two drivers at exactly 125 points as F1 headed into a four-week summer break.
According to De Telegraaf, this means that Red Bull reserve the right to adjust Perez's salary or the financial clauses within his contract.
The newspaper added that any change will affect only monetary aspects of Perez's contract, and will not alter the duration of the Mexican's deal with Red Bull, which runs until the end of 2024.
RacingNews365.com understands that Perez currently earns a basic salary of $10 million per year with Red Bull.
Red Bull's RB19 has proved the class of the field so far in 2023, with Verstappen and Perez winning all 12 Grands Prix and three Sprint events this year.
But while the Dutchman has proved untouchable in recent weeks, winning eight Grands Prix on the trot, Perez has come in for criticism for his relative underperformance, with several unforced errors in Qualifying sessions that have then compromised his races.
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