Perez Wouldn't Be With Red Bull In 2024 Without His Two-Year Contract Says Albers

Sergio Perez would not sit in Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen in 2024 had he not signed a two-year contract, according to former F1 driver Christijan Albers.

Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez is going into the 2024 season under great pressure to perform. While this pressure didn't help him in 2023, he now has to deal with it if he wants to keep his seat in Red Bull.

The Mexican driver was far off from where he should have been in terms of qualifying pace in 2023, with the average qualifying position of ninth place.

Fortunately for the 33-year-old, he was able to recover throughout the race most of the time. However, going into 2024, the team is uncertain how they will compare to their rivals, and they will need more consistent performances.

The main problem for Perez was that Max Verstappen showed what was possible with the RB19 by amassing 12 pole positions and 19 race wins.

The Dutchman beat the 33-year-old in every single stat imaginable, which highlighted the lack of pace that Perez experienced last year.

Many thought Checo would not get the chance to drive for Red Bull in 2024 despite his contract. However, Christian Horner trusted the Mexican driver and said the team would keep their side of the deal.

Former F1 driver Christijan Albers suggested Perez was lucky to have signed a two-year extension at the end of the 2022 season because otherwise, he would have to search for a new team now. He wrote in his De Telegraaf column.

On the other hand, Perez's team principal suggested Red Bull would be happy to continue with the 33-year-old if he can show improvement in 2024.

If the Mexican can't improve his performance, it is suggested Daniel Ricciardo is at the top of the list for his replacement. Who do you think will drive Red Bull beyond 2024?