Perez faces pressure after second consecutive qualifying crash in Hungary
BUDAPEST, Hungary — For the second consecutive Grand Prix weekend, Sergio Perez faced disappointment as he crashed out during the first qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix, drawing concerns over his future with Red Bull Racing.
In conditions reminiscent of the challenging climate at Silverstone two weeks prior, the 33-year-old Mexican driver struggled on a drying track. Perez's qualifying session came to a premature end after he spun out at Turn Eight, colliding with the wall, causing significant damage to the car's left-hand side.
Despite posting a time that placed him 16th on the grid, Perez’s crash could necessitate a pit-lane start, if major repairs are required by his team. Meanwhile, McLaren's Lando Norris seized pole position for Sunday's race, closely followed by his teammate Oscar Piastri. Red Bull’s championship front-runner, Max Verstappen, secured third place in qualifying, maintaining his excellent form.
Recently, Perez signed a renewal with Red Bull until 2025, yet his immediate future with the team looks increasingly fragile. Speculation grows that he might not endure the season's midpoint without significant improvements — a concern not eased by his recent performances.
With Perez potentially out of contention, timing couldn't have been better for Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian driver topped Q1 with an impressive late-lap and presents himself as a clear candidate to replace Perez, should Red Bull make a strategic decision during the upcoming summer break.
Red Bull is also considering reserve driver Liam Lawson, who gained experience in three races in 2023 following Ricciardo’s wrist injury. If Ricciardo is promoted to the main team, Lawson is expected to fill Ricciardo’s seat.
The scrutiny on Perez has intensified throughout recent races, with teammate Verstappen frequently carrying the burden of the team’s success. As Red Bull’s competitors, such as McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, enhance their performances and clinch race victories since Miami, Red Bull’s dominance in the constructors' championship appears vulnerable.
During a break between the British and Hungarian Grands Prix, Lawson showcased his potential while testing the RB20 during a promotional event. Although conditions were not ideal for a full evaluation, his performance reportedly impressed Red Bull's decision-makers.
Despite three Formula 1 starts under his belt for Red Bull's junior team, Lawson remains a key prospect. Ricciardo’s return to the team, a year removed from his last appearance, has also faced its challenges. Were Red Bull to seek change, Ricciardo could replace Perez; however, an excellent result this weekend might be crucial in reshaping the current narrative surrounding the former Red Bull mainstay.
As Sunday's race looms, Perez's urgency for a swift turnaround in form escalates, with Red Bull’s rivals poised to take advantage at the Hungaroring.
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