Ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle says Red Bull will continue to support Sergio Perez despite the Mexican's poor run of recent form. After two wins in the first four races of 2023, Perez has not scored a podium finish in the last three Grands Prix – all of which have been won in convincing fashion by teammate and runaway championship leader Max Verstappen. At the last round in Canada, Perez started only 12th after being caught out by a rain shower during qualifying, and finished the race in a low-key sixth place. The Mexican was at a loss afterwards to explain his lack of pace, and Brundle said Perez needs to call on his 12 years of Formula 1 experience to turn his season around. "Perez impressively won two of the first four races this season, importantly with Verstappen second to him each time, but it has all fallen apart since Max came from ninth on the grid in Miami to comfortably beat pole-sitting Sergio," Brundle wrote in his Sky Sports F1 column. "Perez will need all his maturity and experience, along with team and family support, to turn his head around and start delivering his speed and potential."
Perez to be replaced by Ricciardo?
Red Bull have previous when it comesto replacing underperforming drivers mid-season, and with Daniel Ricciardowaiting in the wings as reserve driver, some commentators have suggested thatthe Mexican's place at the team may be under threat. However, Brundle said Perez wouldretain Red Bull's support as the team look to fend off the likes of AstonMartin, Mercedes and Ferrari, adding that hiring a stronger driver would riskupsetting the balance in the squad. "I suspect only Fernando Alonso andLewis Hamilton would have the head to cope with Verstappen at this moment, andI doubt Red Bull would want that volatility in their team," said Brundle. "The team's perfect scenario wouldbe Sergio to finish a close second to Max every race, and win when Max can't. "The trouble is that, as Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon found out,fine young drivers get buried alongside the Dutchman's speed. "At the same time, Red Bull can'thave Perez off form when Mercedes, Ferrari and Aston Martin inevitably home inon them. That's why they'll support him all the way."
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