Jenson Button has had enough of Sergio Pérez. After yet another disappointing qualification, this time for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the former world champion hopes that Red Bull will quickly replace the Mexican driver. The question is whether Pérez will be allowed to fulfill his contract, which runs until the end of 2026. Button advocates for a swift replacement by Yuki Tsunoda.
Speculation about Sergio Pérez’s future has been increasing in recent weeks. The Mexican driver has a contract until 2026, but after a particularly disappointing season with Red Bull, there is a high chance he will be dismissed prematurely. Many experts believe that Sergio Pérez will have to pack his bags before the end of 2024, although former Formula 1 driver Jenson Button doubts whether Red Bull is considering a driver change at this point.
Tsunoda to Red Bull?
“Contractually, I don’t think he will be replaced this year,” Button said in a recent episode of Sky Sports. “But that doesn’t change the fact that the situation has been untenable for some time. No one gets as many chances with a top team like Red Bull. They are the reigning world champions for a reason.” Pérez has repeatedly disappointed this season, especially during qualifications. While Max Verstappen still leads the championship, Pérez is languishing in a mediocre eighth place.
Button Sees Potential in Yuki Tsunoda as a Replacement for Pérez
Button views Visa RB driver Yuki Tsunoda as the ideal replacement for the Mexican racer. “I would like to see someone like Tsunoda make the leap, just to see what he can do,” Button continued. “He went through a period where he was a bit too aggressive, especially over the team radio, and he has, of course, caused some crashes. But ultimately, he has come out stronger.”
Besides Tsunoda, Liam Lawson is also mentioned as a possible candidate to succeed Pérez. Both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson stand a chance to move up to Red Bull. Jenson Button believes that the Japanese driver is the most suitable to replace Sergio Pérez.