Christian Horner News: F1 boss could FIRE Red Bull star during the 'summer break'

F1 News & Gossip

Horner could FIRE Red Bull star during the 'summer break'

Red Bull still have a decision to make over their driver line-up

By Sheona Mountford.

Friday 19 July 2024 02:00

Red Bull's driver line-up could switch during the summer break as team boss Christian Horner is tipped to make a brutal decision.

The Austrian team have been quick to fire underperforming drivers in the past, known for their pool of young drivers to choose from.

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Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were swiftly axed from Red Bull when they struggled to match the pace of Max Verstappen in 2019 and 2022 respectively.

Similarly, Nyck de Vries was replaced at Alpha Tauri mid-way through 2023, after struggling all season to score points.

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However since re-signing, the Mexican has displayed an embarrassing run of form, encapsulated by his results at the British Grand Prix.

Perez crashed out of qualifying at Silverstone, prompting the team to take a haul of penalties, where he started in the pitlane for the grand prix.

The 34-year-old failed to progress throughout the race, and only managed a P17 finish, ensuring Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg outscored Perez in the past six races.

Perez’s performances have evoked concern as Red Bull’s rivals close in, and threaten the champions for the constructors’ title.

According to F1 pundit, Andrew Benson, the team may axe Perez during the summer break to prevent this from happening.

“If they can all start to beat Verstappen, and Perez’s form continues to be weak, then, yes, Red Bull can be beaten in the constructors’ championship. But it’s a big if,” Benson wrote.

“And that’s without even thinking about whether Perez will be dropped and replaced by someone else at the summer break - which is a definite possibility.”

Red Bull Max Verstappen Christian Horner Sergio Perez Haas Nico Hulkenberg