F1 Rumour: Red Bull To Replace Sergio Perez As "Troubled Relationship" Sparks Worry
According to former Formula 1 driver and current pundit Ralf Schumacher, Max Verstappen's side of the garage is keen for Red Bull to secure a new teammate, replacing Sergio Perez. This comes amid rumours of tension between the two drivers, after the Mexican driver showed dominance in Azerbaijan and since then, wanted to fight the current leader for the championship.
Perez signed a two-year deal to remain with the Milton Keynes clan following his victory at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2022 and is set to stay until the end of the 2024 season. However, with Sergio now showing not only the confidence, but the skill to beat Verstappen at his own game, rumours have started that the driver won't have his contract renewed.
Schumacher, a Sky F1 Germany presenter, said the following on this idea:
"I hear these rumors everywhere. It's difficult, and from my point of view, it's clear that Verstappen's side wants a new teammate.
"I hear these rumours everywhere.
"I see it as a problem that Perez knows – his time at Red Bull Racing will expire. He's fighting for his chance to play up front, to win, to have a say in the title.
"It is like this, the team-mate is always the biggest competitor. And who knows what possibilities there will be later. You can see from Lewis Hamilton how fast it goes.
"That's why Sergio is now becoming more selfish and as far as selfishness goes, Max Verstappen can't complain. Max does it very well.
"He's rightly number one on the team, but he also clearly defines his territory. Being his team-mate is certainly not easy – I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be."
Schumacher believes that it may be in the team's best interests to move Perez on and avoid conflict, stating:
"If there is a troubled relationship between Verstappen and Perez, then it would make sense to part ways with the Mexican," he added.
"If you look closely, you can see that the team-mates don't get along well.
"And if a team has two drivers who don't harmonise with each other, then that's a big disadvantage for the team in the end."