Ex-F1 team boss claims Christian Horner should replace Sergio Perez ‘with Checo’

Apart from this, Szafnaeur recalled the highly controversial 2021 season and how Sergio Perez was of great help for Max Verstappen‘s title win. The 59-year-old asserted that the victory was partly because of the Mexican driver. The former team boss called everyone to take a look at Perez’s collective performances and not only the previous race. However, the Romanian did accept that the 39-year-old had some lows this season, but still surpassed Szafnaeur’s expectations in the 2024 season.

Let's not forget, the first year Max won, it was partly because of Checo, partly because of the circumstance, [But] Don't just look at the last race, look at all the other races that also counted to that win. He's had some lows. This year, from what I can see, apart from a couple of races where I think he should have finished a bit higher, he's doing it. Otmar Szafnaeur added.

Otmar Szafnaeur claims Sergio Perez good at overtakes ‘without mistakes’

Otmar Szafnaeur recalled his stint with Sergio Perez at Force India (currently Aston Martin) and how the 34-year-old fared back then. The former team boss highlighted that there were hardly any moments of doubt or confusion over Perez’s performances during a race. Szafnaeur explained that he didn’t have to question the Mexican’s choices in a race. However, the 59-year-old did recall one incident from Singapore GP where Perez got frustrated and hit a Williams.

There are not many times that I can count where he worked for me where you think, 'Why did you do that in a race? There's only one time I can remember, in Singapore, where he got frustrated and hit a Williams. Otmar Szafnauer highlighted.

Szafnaeur believed that the rest of the times Perez is really good at committing overtakes. The former team boss also added that the Mexican driver overtakes while minimizing mistakes during a race. Hence, the 34-year-old’s chances of continuing with Red Bull have continued to be highly positive. Time will tell about how Perez performs down the 2024 season for sealing the deal.

But the rest of the time he is very, very good at overtaking without making mistakes. He's really good at it. Otmar Szafnaeur concluded.

Sergio Perez has not committed any major mistakes in the 2024 season yet and is following Max Verstappen closely in second. The Mexican driver just has to continue such positive performances and showcase a repeat of the last season. Perez needs to put his head in the game and ensure that he keeps on finishing P2 behind his teammate and take an early lead in the drivers’ championship.