The much lauded ‘silly season’ this year in Formula One is slowly fizzling out to be a damp squib. When Lewis Hamilton dropped the pre-season bombshell he was leaving Mercedes for Ferrari next season, despite the ink barely having dried on his shiny new 2 year deal with the Brockley team, most F1 observers expected a proper merry-go-round with a number of drivers changing teams for next year.

The re-signing of Sergio Perez after a fairly disastrous Monaco GP immediately looked a dubious shout, then again in Canada the Mexican driver was nowhere. Knocked out in Q1 Perez had a tall task ahead of him come the race on Sunday.

 

 

 

Perez form is ‘terrible’

Having battled to lap 51, Perez spun of his own volition at turn six and the damage to his car saw him forced to retire from the race. Yet Checo was later hit with a three place grid drop for there upcoming Spanish GP following the stewards decision that he drive the heavily car in an unsafe manner as he trundled back home to prevent a safety car ruining Max Verstappen’s race.

Of course Red Bull could have instructed Sergio to park the car in safe place behind a barrier which would not necessitate an intervention from race control, yet the usually unflappable RBR strategy outfit failed to make the right call and so have disadvantaged Perez for the up coming Spanish Grand Prix.

The Red Bull team entertained the idea of replacing Checo nexts season with the likes of Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz and the idea of promoting Daniel Ricciardo alongside Max Verstappen once again was also discussed. Yet the Aussie has been soundly beaten this season by his team mate Yuki Tsuoda, who Christian Horner clearly believes would do not better than Sergio Perez.

Dr. Helmut Marko who has backed Liam Lawson to drive in a Grand Prix this year was not in favour of the Horner deal to retain Perez, but the Austrian advisor now reveals the re-signing of Checo was intended to brig calm to the team in turmoil following the hints from Max Verstappen that he could leave his championship winning squad.

Verstappen slams FIA 2026 regulations

 

 

 

Red Bull under pressure as Checo fails to deliver

Carlos Sainz and Verstappen were team mates at Toro Rosso, but it was not all plain sailing inside the Faenza team’s garage. Had Horner signed the talented Spaniard it would have been a signal to Verstappen that his preferences were no longer being taken into consideration.

Clearly the troubles within the team caused by Max’s dad calling for Horner to step down or risk “tearing the team apart” have now settled down, but Red Bull have a fight on their hands if they are to retain the much prized constructors’ title.

The world champions are 49 points ahead of Ferrari after a nil points weekend for the Scuderia in Canada. Yet with Perez consistently underperforming, the gap can be quickly closed were Ferrari to have two cars in the top three over the coming triple header weekends.

Sergio has around one third of his team mates points after nine rounds and sits fifth in the drivers’ championship behind Leclerc, Norris and Sainz. This time last year after the Austrian GP which was the ninth of the year, Red Bull were a whopping 199 points ahead of Mercedes who were their nearest challengers.

Verstappen reacts to online abuse

 

 

 

Marko reveals failed reason for Perez re-sign

Marko;s claims that Perez was merely retained to bring peace and harmony to the Red Bull team has now failed, in the words of the 81 year old Austrian. The Red Bull consultant has now called on Sergio to “prove himself” over the next three races in Spain, Austria and Silverstone.

Speaking to OE24, Marko states: “We extended his contract because we wanted to bring calm to our team, which unfortunately didn’t quite work out. But now Checo has three races ahead of him on three real race tracks, so he can prove himself.”

Of course the reality isn’t that Checo will immediately find himself without a drive after Silverstone if his current form continues, yet there will be clauses in his Red Bull contract which would see him replaced for 2025 despite the recent joyous announcement he is to stay with the team.

Red Bull struggled in Monaco and again in Canada despite Max Verstappen eventually claiming the win after a wet/dry race in Montreal. However, the reasons for the team’s difficulties were due to their suspension design, which while delivering a stable platform for the underfloor downforce to work, it struggles over the aggressive kerbs seen at the last two events.

Mercedes officially reject Hamilton replacement

 

 

 

Ferrari tyre wear issues in Spain

The Circuit de Catalunya. Barcelona is expected to be a whole different kettle of fish. The team’s and drivers have racked up 100’s of thousands of hours there testing over the years and the circuit layout is expected to play to Red Bull’s strengths.

Perez has a better chance of finding a sweet setup in Montmelo and could even make the front two rows of the grid in qualifying.

“Barcelona has always been a complicated track and always will be – the best car concept will win,” Ralph Schumacher explained in his Sky Germany column. 

“All the cars’ weaknesses will be exposed. Ferrari will have a bit of trouble with tyre wear again, and Max Verstappen will have a real advantage with the Red Bull.

Red Bull claims Ferrari/McLaren are cheating

 

 

 

Mercedes slump expected

“This is a track that is no problem for Red Bull. McLaren will be back as all-rounders – with Lando Norris, who has now developed into one of the most sought-after drivers [in F1].”

Last time out in Canada, Mercedes had their best showing of the season with George Russell claiming pole and the third step on the podium, while Hamilton overtaken by his team mate came in fourth.

However, Schumacher expects Mercedes to be no where inn Barcelona. “The question mark will be: Can Mercedes build on Canada? I suspect not quite,” Schumacher said.

“[This is] because the strengths of the engine can’t be played to the same extent as in Canada, but I hope that the [recent upward] trend continues.”

Update: Renault out of F1

 

 

 

Team with a HUGE lap time upgrade coming in Barcelon

Red Bull Racing have almost competed their driver lineup for 2025 with recent confirmations of contract extensions for Sergio Perez and Yuki Tsunoda and the sister V-CARB team. The contract for Checo was announced ahead of the Canadian deal and is a 1+1 year deal offering the team the opportunity to retain their Mexican driver into 2026.

Perez confirmed in the run up to the Spanish Grand Prix, he had other options but, “but my aspiration was to continue with this team,” Perez told RACER… READ MORE