Two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has criticized Sergio Perez harshly, saying that the Red Bull driver let his team and himself down after a dismal season.
With his performance deteriorating, Perez—who was formerly considered a formidable opponent for race victories with teammate Max Verstappen—is now seriously doubting his future with the team.
Perez had four podium results in the first five races of the season, which was a promising start to the season, but the Mexican driver has subsequently found it difficult to sustain his momentum.
With an 11-race run without a top-three result under his belt, which is the longest since he signed with Red Bull in 2021, Perez’s future with the team is looking less and less assured.
Even though he was given a new one-plus-one contract in June that would keep him through the conclusion of the next season, as his performances have declined, there has been more conjecture about his future.
Hakkinen: Red Bull’s “downside” includes Perez.
Hakkinen, who won the Formula One title with McLaren in 1998 and 1999, was blunt in his criticism of Perez’s recent performance.
Hakkinen acknowledged the tough realities of Formula 1, where teammates are both competitors and partners, in an interview with Unibet International.
He pointed out that the rising performance disparity between Perez and Verstappen has had major ramifications for Red Bull’s overall development.
“Formula 1 is a very cruel sport, and there are two drivers in a team who are naturally competing with each other before they start competing against others,” remarked Hakkinen.
“In this instance, there has been a continuous widening divide between him [Perez] and Max.
In other words, you are unable to obtain the necessary data and information from both cars to expedite the development of the vehicle.
“That has been a real downside for the development of the Red Bull team, and it’s challenging.”
Hakkinen emphasized the value of having two capable drivers to advance a team, particularly in the condensed amount of time that is available on race weekends.
“The team cannot advance with just one car. Two drivers and two cars are required.
“Sergio has failed to meet the expectations of the Red Bull crew. It has been adversely affecting the success, which is a really bad thing.
“Sergio Perez has a lengthy history in Formula 1,” Hakkinen continued.
“Neither this year nor the next are this. He has had the opportunity to examine and comprehend who he is and what he needs to be the best, but he has not succeeded in doing so.”
Even though Perez’s position is likely safe for the rest of the season, his long-term future at Red Bull is now being closely monitored.
It remains to be seen if the team would honor the contract extension that was given only a few months ago.