Sergio Perez has insisted the "brutal" change at AlphaTauri "doesn't change anything" with his own future at Red Bull. The Mexican has come under increasing pressure in recent months with qualifying performances slumping - five races without a Q3 appearance leaving him with only one podium since the Miami Grand Prix. Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen has duly raced into a 99-point lead over Perez in the F1 Drivers' championship, though he remains second and ahead of the chasing pack. But the change in drivers at the affiliated AlphaTauri outfit, with Daniel Ricciardo taking over from Nyck de Vries, has put further questions on Perez's future past this campaign. Addressing the reshuffling, Perez told media including RacingNews365 : "I feel sorry for Nyck, he had a very short experience - it was quite brutal in that regard. "You never know what the future will hold for him, but it is how it is, this is Formula 1. "On the other hand, I am also happy for Daniel, he is very motivated to be back, happy for him, so well done for him, it is a great opportunity for him. "From my side, it doesn't change anything. I drive for Red Bull, it is not just Daniel out there - it is Yuki... more than half of the grid would love to drive for Red Bull, so it doesn't change anything."
Full focus on racing
De Vries was ousted after only 10 races with the Faenza-based team, the Dutchman not even afforded the chance to reach the summer break. "It is really hard to balance it out," said Perez, judging the swiftness of de Vries' dismissal. "Sometimes there are some drivers that have a bit more time than others just because of circumstances. "It was very lucky Daniel was available and it was a good opportunity for Red Bull to put him in." On whether he had taken notice of Ricciardo and his sights being set on the second Red Bull seat, Perez added: "I don't even have the time to discuss what is going on with Daniel. I am focusing on Hungary and then Belgium. "I am not really thinking about 2025, it is such a far world ahead it is nonsense to think that far away."
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