Perez With No Future In Red Bull According To Double World Champion Hakkinen

Friday, 05 January 2024 at 16:00

The double World Champion Mika Hakkinen suggested Sergio Perez has no future in the Red Bull Racing F1 team beyond the season 2024.

Sergio Perez's contract with the Red Bull Racing team expires at the end of 2024. Due to his insufficient performances in 2023, it was speculated he wouldn't drive for Red Bull even in 2024, but he will.

Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner made it clear to the media that his team will stay true to the contract and Perez will race for them this year.

Moreover, the team principal suggested Red Bull will consider keeping the 33-year-old even beyond the 2024 season, but it all depends on his performance in comparison to Max Verstappen.

Perez mentioned it is his goal to challenge Verstappen for the Drivers' Championship in 2024. If he could improve his performances, the team would really have no reason to replace him, as the Verstappen/ Perez duo worked out very well for them during the last three years.

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On the other hand, many believe Perez won't be able to achieve the level of performance his team desires. According to lastwordonsports.com, Mika Hakkinen said in a recent interview:

"I know that having a Mexican driver is important for Red Bull. Mexico is a big market, which has its effect on things. But ultimately, you’re there to race and bring good results – and to develop the car faster."

Red Bull's awesome success really came down to one driver - Verstappen during the most recent season as he was the one to win 19 races and break all the records imaginable.

The Flying Finn suggested Red Bull will need two solid drivers, and he believes it is highly unlikely Perez's future lies with the team from Milton Keynes.

"You can’t rely on one driver. You need to have two drivers on a certain level in order to develop the car. Is Perez’s future at Red Bull? I think it’s highly unlikely."