“Checo is safe in Red Bull, but his continuity will depend on his final position with respect to Verstappen in the classification” | ANALYSIS

It is highly likely that history will not be as harsh on Checo Pérez as the fans were in 2023. Condemned for driving the most competitive car, the one with which Max Verstappen achieved a historic title, expectations were high. At the beginning of the season, he was able to rival Max, but after improving his Sunday ratings, he became harmless and clumsy in the second half of the schedule. It was at that moment, when speculation about the possible early termination of Perez’s contract with Red Bull flooded the paddock in lieu of runner-up expectations.

After the chaos, the now established Pérez reflects on the season: “Our crisis was real. After Barcelona, ​​I had the most dominant car in history, but finding the set-up was difficult. The key was to stay focused on our work and change what was necessary. “That has influenced the final result.”. Knowing himself to be the key piece in the first 1-2 of drivers in the history of the team and the first Mexican to achieve such an achievement, Checo today smiles calmly. The days of doubts about his continuity are behind him now that he wears the guard medal.

This marks a change in perception, as Helmut Markko recently suggested that Pérez’s results were affected by his Latin American origin and his ability to withstand pressure. Today, everyone praises Sergio, even Helmut himself: “We have won many World Championships, but we never had a driver in first place and another in second place, we were missing that. This season would have been a stumble if we hadn’t achieved it; However, Checo had a great close to the championship and has been impeccable, focused and showing the best version of himself. We are very proud that he has achieved it.”

Christian Horner, the Red Bull team manager, also spares no praise for Sergio’s resurrection. “What impresses me most about Checo is not the results, but that, no matter how many times he falls, he always gets back up. We often forget that Checo competes against Max Verstappen, one of F1’s generational talents. In this difficult task, Checo has done incredibly well”Horner admits from the peace of mind of knowing that he has won all the possible drinks.

With a McLaren on the rise, a Ferrari that wakes up and an injured Mercedes, next year promises to be more competitive. Ricciardo will continue at Alpha Tauri, and there are options available for 2025. The first candidates could be Sainz (his renewal with Ferrari is rumored) and Alonso. There is even talk of Vettel’s return. There are candidates, but Checo has the first opportunity and his biggest challenge will be to improve himself.

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