Johnny Herbert is in dismay over Sergio Perez’s prolonged struggles this year, suggesting Red Bull no longer needs the Mexican Formula 1 driver or his sponsorship, proposing that Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson be given a chance.
Being Max Verstappen's Red Bull teammate is no joke; he has left a trail of destroyed drivers in his wake, much like he has done to Perez this season. Verstappen accumulated 393 points across 21 rounds so far and is poised for his fourth F1 World title.
In contrast, Perez has managed only 151 points, placing him a distant P8 in the standings with three Grands Prix and a Sprint Race still to go.
As a result, Red Bull currently sit third in the 2024 F1 Constructors' standings, trailing Ferrari and McLaren—both of whom are benefitting from strong performances by both drivers. The reigning World Champions, meanwhile, rely almost solely on Verstappen’s results, as he consistently shoulders the team’s point-scoring burden.
Speaking to SafestBettingSites.co.uk, Herbert weighed in on Perez’s precarious position: “It has always been said that Checo is valuable because of the sponsorship he brings. Do they need it? I’d be surprised if Red Bull really needed it. It’s horrible to see what is happening with Checo."
Herbert: Checo hasn’t earned the seat for next year
Herbert continued: "Checo's season has crumbled into a scenario where he cannot get comfortable in the car—that’s the physical side of it—and there’s also the mental side; the crushing by Max, who is always way ahead of him. That is something that is very hard to deal with.
“He hasn’t earned the seat for next year. If Red Bull are really serious about the F1 championship, they have to have a second driver who is going to pull his weight," Herbert asserted.
Perez has struggled to deliver, scoring only 48 points in the last 15 races and frequently failing to make it into Q3. By contrast, Verstappen has amassed 257 points over the same period.
Herbert offered advice to Red Bull: “What the team needs is someone who can perform in the car up against Max. The way Liam has come in and driven very well, you’d think he would be in with a shot.
“Yuki has also driven very well and perhaps should have been on the podium on Sunday. He is also a good shout. I have been very impressed with his improvement. Liam or Yuki should get the chance," concluded Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner turned pundit and regular FIA F1 Steward.
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