Last Updated on December 28 2024, 12:34 am

As Max Verstappen celebrated his historic fourth Formula One World Championship in 2024, his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez faced a grim reality. The 34-year-old Mexican had endured one of the most difficult years of his career, a season marked by poor results, mounting criticism and an uncertain future in the sport.

However, Verstappen has come to Perez’s defence, claiming that the veteran driver’s struggles were not entirely his fault. Instead, the Dutch superstar turned the spotlight on Red Bull Racing, blaming the team for their part in Perez’s sub-par season.

 

 

 

A difficult year for Perez

Sergio Perez’s 2024 campaign has been, by all accounts, a nightmare. Red Bull’s once-reliable number two failed to win a single race all season, in stark contrast to Verstappen’s nine Grand Prix victories. Perez’s best results were limited to just four podiums, the last of which came in April at the Chinese Grand Prix.

As the season progressed, his performances continued to deteriorate, culminating in his worst finish of the top eight riders in the championship. This dismal result played a significant part in Red Bull’s surrender of the Constructors’ title to McLaren.

The story of Perez’s decline has been widely debated, with critics pointing the finger at the veteran driver’s inconsistency and apparent inability to adapt to Red Bull’s RB20.

However, Verstappen has offered a different perspective, arguing that the team’s technical shortcomings have played a significant role in Perez’s struggles.

Red Bull conditions in Lawson contract

 

 

 

Verstappen acknowledges RB20’s challenges

Speaking to **Viaplay**, Verstappen was not afraid to address the RB20’s problems, describing the car as “really difficult to drive”.

Even for Verstappen, who has dominated the season, the RB20 has presented unique challenges.

“It was difficult for Checo because we just had a very difficult car,” Verstappen explained. “You have to say that sometimes. The car just wasn’t working and that was the biggest problem in the 2024 season.”

While Verstappen managed to extract exceptional performances from the car, it was clear that its design required an extraordinary level of skill and adaptability.

For a driver like Perez, whose style perhaps didn’t mesh so well with the RB20’s quirks, the car became an insurmountable obstacle. Verstappen’s acknowledgement of these difficulties provides a nuanced view of Perez’s underperformance, emphasising that the blame cannot be placed squarely on the driver.

UK reporter slams Max: “We all know what happened… in 2021”

 

 

 

Red Bull’s delayed response

Verstappen’s criticism of Red Bull didn’t stop at the car’s design. He also took aim at the team’s lack of urgency in addressing the RB20’s shortcomings. According to Verstappen, Red Bull should have prioritised making the car more drivable much earlier in the season.

“That would have helped Checo a lot too especially as he was second or third at the beginning of the season. And that was good,” said Verstappen.

The team’s failure to act quickly not only exacerbated Perez’s struggles, but also contributed to a loss of momentum in the Constructors’ Championship.

Verstappen highlighted how the early promise of the season, where Perez seemed to be playing a strong supporting role, quickly unravelled as RB20’s problems continued.

Is the Rwanda race an F1 ruse?

 

 

 

Red Bull conditions in Lawson contract

 

 

 

The psychological toll on Perez

As the season wore on, the lack of results began to take a toll on Perez’s confidence. Verstappen, who has often spoken openly about the mental challenges of Formula One, acknowledged the psychological impact of a difficult season.

“Once your confidence is dented, some people are more sensitive than others,” he said. “And yes, I don’t think we did our job perfectly as a team either.”

Perez’s dip in confidence was evident in his performances, with errors and inconsistencies becoming more frequent. Verstappen’s comments underline the importance of a supportive team environment, especially for drivers facing a slump in form. In this case, Red Bull’s inability to provide that support compounded Perez’s challenges.

Insider: Ferrari’s plan for Hamilton “madness”

 

 

 

Hamilton is “very very worried” about Ferrari says ex-team mate

 

 

 

Consequences for Red Bull

The repercussions of Perez’s poor season went beyond individual performances. Red Bull, a team accustomed to dominating the Constructors’ Championship, found itself overtaken by McLaren, who claimed the 2024 title. For a team with Red Bull’s pedigree, losing the championship was a huge blow and a reminder that even the smallest missteps can have far-reaching consequences in F1.

Verstappen’s dominance in the Drivers’ Championship masked some of Red Bull’s shortcomings, but the cracks became increasingly visible as the season progressed.

The team’s inability to adapt strategy and address technical issues in a timely manner not only hurt Perez, but also undermined their collective goals.

Briatore reveals surprise Alonso signing attempt

 

 

 

 

Looking ahead to 2025

As the 2025 season approaches, Red Bull faces critical questions about its approach. The team must ensure its next car is more accessible to both its drivers, especially if it hopes to challenge McLaren’s resurgence. Verstappen’s comments are a wake-up call for Red Bull to reflect on its 2024 campaign and take proactive steps to avoid repeating its mistakes.

For Perez, the future remains uncertain. At 34, his time in F1 appears to be coming to an end, and 2024’s difficulties have only added to speculation about his long-term prospects. Whether he stays with Red Bull or seeks opportunities elsewhere, Perez’s career trajectory will likely depend on the lessons he learns from this challenging season.

Why Checo turned down his F1 farewell

 

 

 

Verstappen’s leadership shines

Verstappen’s willingness to defend Perez and criticise his own team reflects a growing maturity and leadership within the Dutchman. As Red Bull’s star driver, Verstappen’s voice carries considerable weight and his comments signal a desire for the team to improve collectively. By acknowledging the shared responsibility for Perez’s struggles, Verstappen has shown a level of empathy and insight that transcends the cutthroat nature often associated with Formula One.

At a time when the spotlight is often on individual brilliance, Verstappen’s advocacy of a team-based approach stands out. His defence of Perez not only underlines his respect for his teammate, but also his commitment to fostering a stronger, more unified Red Bull Racing.

As the dust settles on the 2024 season, Verstappen’s words serve as both a critique and a rallying cry. For Red Bull, the path to redemption lies in addressing its weaknesses and building a more cohesive and competitive team. For Perez, the support of a world champion like Verstappen offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise difficult chapter of his career. And for F1, the story of Red Bull’s 2024 season is a reminder that even the most dominant teams must constantly evolve to stay ahead.

READ MORE – Hamilton is “very very worried” about Ferrari says ex-team mate

 

 

 

 

MORE F1 NEWS – Red Bull conditions in Lawson contract

Despite remaining two constructors’ championships behind arch rivals Mercedes, Red Bull Racing appeared to throw away their chance of another Formula One team title this season as they dallied over what to do with Sergio Perez. The Mexican was widely expected in the paddock to be dismissed during the summer break given the reported clause in his contract which required him to remain within 100 points of his team mate.

Red Bull at the time led rivals McLaren by 42 points and Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ title race stood at 78 points. With a significantly altered autumn schedule the teams returned from their August sojourn with just four Grand Prix weekends ahead of them before a newly instigated four week autumn break to allow the racing personnel some respite before the season ending double triple headers in the run to the final in Abu Dhabi.

Perez was retained according to Christian Horner because,  “We know that there’s tracks that he’s won at coming up. We’ve got Azerbaijan where he’s won both a Sprint and grand prix on the same weekend. He’s won a fantastic race in Singapore against Charles Leclerc in mixed conditions,” the Red Bull boss told Sky following FP2 in Zandvoort…READ MORE ON THIS STORY