Before the Belgian Grand Prix, there were clear indications within Red Bull Racing that it would be Sergio Pérez’s last race in the RB20. A weak performance (from P2 to P7) seemed to be the proverbial nail in his coffin. Yet, on Monday, things took an unexpected turn. What factors contributed to this change of events? Three key elements come into play, all tied together by a common thread: fear.
1. Power Struggle
The ongoing power struggle at the top of Red Bull Racing has undoubtedly had an impact. This struggle is both intriguing and distasteful, with the ‘Pérez issue’ being the latest ingredient. In short, team boss Christian Horner is more supportive of Pérez than advisor Dr. Helmut Marko. However, if Pérez were to be ousted, Horner would prefer to see Ricciardo in the car, while Marko is less enthusiastic about the Australian.
The way Red Bull Racing’s leadership deals with a driver like Pérez also varies. Consider the contract extension for Pérez earlier this season, despite his disappointing performance. Although it came with clauses, it was still a vote of confidence. At least, that’s how Horner sees it, intending to alleviate the pressure on the Mexican driver. On the other hand, Dr. Marko prefers to keep the pressure on his drivers to bring out their best.
This isn’t the first time these differing visions have clashed. However, earlier this year, those involved in the Red Bull power struggle agreed to make the best of the situation. This was done with an eye on Max Verstappen’s title chase and the team’s pursuit of the constructors’ championship. In other words, at Red Bull, they can agree to disagree, resulting in no changes in this case. Maintaining the status quo can be dangerous.
Because if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.
The Importance of Liberty Media
It’s undeniable that commercial interests can play a role in certain decisions. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Commerce is a factor in the success of the sport as we know it, as is an understanding of certain customs and cultures, and a strict safety policy. These are just a few examples of areas where some influence from a rights holder or overarching organization should be acceptable.
However, the autonomy of teams must always be preserved. This is also the opinion of the F1 owners at Liberty Media, they say. In theory, this is a good aim, but in practice, it may be difficult in the small and closed competition that is Formula 1. Interests often crisscross and sometimes clash. Sporting arguments versus commercial ones, it’s a battle in every sport, including F1.
In Mexico, the sport is popular, primarily due to Sergio Pérez. If you were to remove him, the popularity of the sport would take a significant hit in Mexico. He also represents a much larger region: Central America. Pérez’s fans are passionate and therefore literally valuable to the sport, according to Liberty Media and other stakeholders.
It should surprise no one that many people want to keep someone with such a background in F1, especially with a Mexican GP on the horizon. What consequences this may have had behind the scenes is impossible to say. That’s purely speculation. But Red Bull’s about-face regarding Pérez’s future certainly benefits the sport commercially.
No Alternative
Daniel Ricciardo as a replacement for Pérez due to his experience. Liam Lawson because of his talent. Or, although never really seriously mentioned, Yuki Tsunoda. Which of the other contracted Red Bull drivers would offer the best chance of retaining the all-important constructors’ title for the team and staff? The answer, as Monday’s about-face revealed: none.
This is what made the situation around Pérez complex: it wasn’t just about whether the Mexican was up to the task and whether he should stay or go. It was also about deciding who should take his place. Opinions within the team were (and are) divided – see also point 1.
More than a teammate, Max Verstappen is (rightly) concerned about the speed of the car. Or the lack thereof. He wants the team to focus on that, which he believes is more important than Pérez’s position. And Red Bull can embrace that point: if they make the car faster, the Mexican might be able to handle it better and things might still work out with him after the summer. Perhaps even more than a Ricciardo or Lawson could show.
Conclusion
This about-face by Red Bull is a gamble. The decision was made with conscious or unconscious fear of various things. From the influence of people within the team and stakeholders outside, to the quality of alternative drivers. So, the decision to continue with Pérez was influenced by various factors and only finalized at the last minute. However, it’s not a decision that removes all pressure. On the contrary, the pressure on Red Bull (and Pérez) is now greater than ever after the summer.
