The gulf in their performance was exposed during the 2023 season, when the Mexican was struggling to finish second behind Verstappen, let alone compete for a championship.
Red Bull mounted pressure on Perez by welcoming former driver Daniel Ricciardo back into the team via Alpha Tauri, with suggestions he could replace Perez if he did not improve.
Sergio Perez struggled to match his teammate in 2023It was rumoured Daniel Ricciardo could replace Perez in 2024
Verstappen teammate is ‘not a problem’
Furthermore Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz will be without a race seat in 2025, his recent performances making him an impressive candidate to top teams such as Red Bull.
Until recently it was believed Fernando Alonso was also pushing for a move to the team.
However, the Spanish driver has recently signed a contract with Aston Martin until 2026, meaning Perez's position is safe for now.
Despite these rumours, championship leader Max Verstappen has displayed little interest in who will race alongside him.
In an interview with Viaplay, Verstappen revealed he did not care whether Perez or someone else would be his teammate.
Max Verstappen is known for his frank answers in interviews
He also made a brutal assessment on Perez’s chances of competing with him this season.
“At the end of the championship he [Perez] will finish behind,” he said according to Corriere dello Sport.
“So who will be my partner is not a problem that takes away my concentration. To tell the truth, I honestly don't think about it at all."
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