The 2024 Formula 1 season, dominated by Red Bull Racing and their star driver Max Verstappen, has also been clouded by controversy surrounding Sergio Perez’s dramatic exit. While Perez’s struggles on the track have been evident throughout the season, many are now pointing fingers at Verstappen and his influence within the Red Bull team as contributing factors to the Mexican driver’s departure.
Adding fuel to the fire, former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has claimed that Verstappen played a pivotal role in Perez’s rocky season and eventual exit. According to Jordan, Verstappen pressured Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to keep Perez on the team rather than pursuing a deal with outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. This alleged interference has sparked a heated debate about Verstappen’s sway over team decisions and whether Red Bull’s internal dynamics favour their reigning champion.
Perez’s 2024 Struggles: A Season of Discontent
Sergio Perez entered the 2024 season with high expectations following his crucial support role in Red Bull’s 2023 championship campaign. However, the season quickly turned into a nightmare for the Mexican driver. A series of inconsistent performances, costly mistakes, and underwhelming results saw Perez fall far behind his teammate Verstappen, who continued to dominate the championship standings.
Perez’s inability to match Verstappen’s pace led to growing tensions within the team. Critics argued that Red Bull’s car development, tailored to suit Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, left Perez struggling to adapt. By midseason, rumours began swirling about Red Bull considering alternative drivers for 2025, with names like Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris being floated as potential replacements.
Eddie Jordan’s Explosive Claims
Eddie Jordan, never one to shy away from controversy, has added a new layer to the saga. Speaking on his popular F1 podcast, Jordan alleged that Verstappen was instrumental in Red Bull’s decision to stick with Perez despite his struggles. According to Jordan, Verstappen personally advocated for Perez to remain on the team, putting pressure on Christian Horner and Red Bull’s leadership to forgo a potential deal with Carlos Sainz.
“Max Verstappen has enormous influence within Red Bull,” Jordan said. “He wanted Perez to stay, perhaps because he felt more comfortable with him as a teammate rather than bringing in someone like Sainz, who could pose a bigger challenge. It’s not just about performance on the track; it’s also about the team dynamics and how they favour Verstappen.”
Jordan’s comments have sparked widespread debate, with some accusing Verstappen of prioritising his interests over the team’s competitiveness. Others, however, argue that Verstappen’s influence is a natural consequence of his success and the pivotal role he plays in Red Bull’s dominance.
The Carlos Sainz Factor
Carlos Sainz’s name emerged as a key figure in this saga after his announcement that he would leave Ferrari at the end of 2024. Sainz, known for his consistency and racecraft, was seen as a strong candidate to join Red Bull and provide a more robust challenge to Verstappen. However, according to Jordan, Verstappen’s preference for Perez played a significant role in Red Bull’s decision to pass on Sainz.
“Sainz would have been a fantastic fit for Red Bull,” Jordan said. “He’s a proven talent and could have pushed Verstappen to new levels. But Max wasn’t interested in having that kind of competition within the team. It’s a missed opportunity for Red Bull.”
This perspective has reignited discussions about the challenges of managing a dominant driver like Verstappen and maintaining team harmony. While Sainz’s move to another team remains unconfirmed, the speculation surrounding his potential partnership with Red Bull has added a new dimension to the ongoing drama.
Verstappen’s Growing Influence
There’s no denying that Verstappen’s dominance on the track has earned him significant clout within Red Bull. As a three-time (and potentially four-time) world champion, Verstappen has become the face of the team and a driving force behind their success. However, this influence has also raised questions about whether Red Bull is too dependent on Verstappen and if his preferences are shaping the team’s decisions to the detriment of other drivers.
Critics argue that Verstappen’s sway within Red Bull is emblematic of a larger problem in F1: the imbalance of power within teams. When a single driver’s interests take precedence, it can stifle competition and create an environment where teammates are relegated to supporting roles. Perez’s 2024 season, marked by frustration and underperformance, is seen by some as a direct consequence of this dynamic.
Red Bull’s Official Response
Red Bull has yet to comment directly on Jordan’s claims, but team principal Christian Horner has previously defended the team’s handling of Perez. In interviews, Horner has emphasised the importance of teamwork and dismissed suggestions that Red Bull prioritises Verstappen at the expense of his teammates.
“We’ve always supported Sergio and given him the tools to succeed,” Horner said earlier this season. “Max’s success doesn’t come at the cost of Sergio’s opportunities. Every driver in this team is given equal support.”
Despite Horner’s reassurances, the perception of a Verstappen-centric approach at Red Bull persists. Whether Jordan’s allegations will prompt a more detailed response from the team remains to be seen.
What’s Next for Perez?
As Perez prepares to leave Red Bull, questions about his future loom large. While he’s unlikely to secure a seat with another top-tier team, Perez’s experience and skill make him an attractive option for midfield teams looking to strengthen their rosters. For Perez, the challenge will be to rebuild his confidence and prove that he can still compete at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Red Bull faces the task of finding a suitable replacement for Perez. With Sainz seemingly out of the picture, other potential candidates include Daniel Ricciardo, who has impressed during his return to F1, and young talents like Liam Lawson and Ayumu Iwasa from Red Bull’s junior program.
The Verstappen Conundrum
The controversy surrounding Sergio Perez’s exit has exposed the complexities of managing a team built around a dominant driver. While Verstappen’s influence within Red Bull is a testament to his unparalleled success, it also raises questions about fairness, competition, and the long-term implications for the team.
Eddie Jordan’s claims have added a provocative twist to an already contentious issue. Whether Verstappen’s role in Perez’s struggles will lead to greater scrutiny of Red Bull’s internal dynamics remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the fallout from this drama will continue to shape the narrative of the 2024 season and beyond.