Max Verstappen’s influence over Sergio Perez’s struggles at Red Bull during the 2024 Formula 1 season has sparked debate, with former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan suggesting the reigning world champion shares some of the blame.
Max Verstappen’s Influence on Red Bull’s Decision-Making
Eddie Jordan claims Verstappen played a crucial role in Red Bull’s decision to keep Perez for the 2024 season, despite the availability of outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. According to Jordan, Verstappen pressured Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to maintain Perez as his teammate, as Verstappen believed he could easily beat him. This argument has raised eyebrows, especially with Perez’s lack of contribution to Red Bull’s success, which ultimately led to the team’s slip to third in the Constructors’ Championship.
The Struggles of Sergio Perez in 2024
Sergio Perez, who signed a two-year contract extension with Red Bull in June, faced a disastrous 2024 campaign. The Mexican driver finished a staggering 285 points behind Verstappen and failed to secure a podium finish since the Chinese Grand Prix in April. This lack of performance resulted in speculation that Perez would be replaced for the 2025 season, with rising star Liam Lawson expected to take his place.
The Role of Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s Missed Opportunity
With Carlos Sainz available after Ferrari confirmed he would leave the team at the end of 2024, Red Bull had an opportunity to secure a proven driver. However, Red Bull opted to extend Perez’s contract instead. Eddie Jordan speculated that Verstappen’s reluctance to work alongside Sainz again, following their tumultuous time together at Toro Rosso in 2015, influenced the decision to keep Perez. Verstappen’s support for Perez during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix only fueled this narrative, with Verstappen publicly criticizing the harsh treatment of his teammate.
Verstappen’s Relationship with Sainz: A History of Tension
The tensions between Verstappen and Sainz at Toro Rosso in 2015 and 2016 have been well documented. The rivalry escalated after Verstappen and his engineers were given more freedom to make strategic decisions, often clashing with the Toro Rosso management. A significant dispute occurred at the 2016 Russian Grand Prix, where Verstappen ignored team orders, further intensifying the rift between the two drivers. This unresolved tension between Verstappen and Sainz may have influenced Red Bull’s reluctance to re-pair them.
Perez’s Future: Will He Return to F1 in 2026?
With his Red Bull exit all but confirmed for the 2025 season, questions remain about Perez’s future in F1. Racing drivers, like Perez, often find their careers at a crossroads after such a significant change. While Perez’s talent remains undisputed, the 2024 season’s underperformance has left his future uncertain. Could he return to F1 in 2026? Only time will tell.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility in Perez’s F1 Exit
While Max Verstappen’s comments following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were supportive of Perez, his influence on the team’s decision-making and his stance against a reunion with Sainz may have had a lasting impact on Perez’s future. As the 2025 F1 season approaches, both Verstappen and Red Bull’s decisions are under scrutiny, with many wondering what could have been if the team had pursued a different course. The drama surrounding Perez’s departure is a stark reminder of the complexities and pressures within F1’s top teams.
