Pérez Faces Pressure Amid Red Bull's Constructors' Championship Struggles

SPA, Belgium — Sergio Pérez's performance at the Belgian Grand Prix has intensified scrutiny over his future with Red Bull Racing. After qualifying on the front row, Pérez expressed disappointment in the race, attributing his struggles to battery issues and a misaligned strategy. With McLaren narrowing the gap in the constructors' championship, Pérez acknowledged the growing pressure on the team, emphasizing the need to focus on performance rather than speculation about his position. Despite his earlier confidence about securing his seat for the next race at Zandvoort, the summer break has become a critical period for Red Bull to evaluate Pérez's future. Team principal Christian Horner confirmed a meeting to discuss various topics, including Pérez's performance. He reiterated the team's commitment to supporting Pérez, highlighting the collective desire for him to succeed amid ongoing challenges, particularly with tire management. Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo, who has been eyeing a return to a competitive seat, described the recent races as pivotal for his career. Although he only managed to secure a single point in Hungary and Belgium, Horner noted that Ricciardo's performance was acceptable given the circumstances. Ricciardo's strategy was hampered by Red Bull's decisions, and he faced challenges with tire availability during the Spa race. As both Ricciardo and Liam Lawson prepare for a filming day at Imola, the team is weighing its options for the future, with the potential for Ricciardo to reclaim a prominent role if he can demonstrate his capabilities.