At this point near the end of 2023, talking about Sergio Perez‘s lack of form in 2023 is like flogging a dead horse. Yes, he has had a miserable qualifying record, yes he wasn’t on the podiums as much as he should have been, and yes, finishing races consistently 30+ seconds behind Max Verstappen doesn’t do him much good.

However, his future, at least in 2024, is secure for now. He has one more year to prove himself to Red Bull. However, critics, including Formula 1 champion Mika Hakkinen, believe that the rope is running out for Sergio Perez, and the writing is on the wall.

Hakkinen’s criticism of Sergio Perez

The Flying Finn, recently appearing on YouTube for Unibet International, recently voiced out his comments about Sergio Perez. Being one of the greatest drivers to have ever driven the sport, it is well-established that he knows a thing or two about the sport. He understands that when there are two teammates; it is normal for one to be slower than the other. However, when that’s the case, the slower driver has to act a certain way.

“If the slower teammate is able to communicate well with the media and the team, is able to develop the car, is motivated and can stay within 3 or 4 tenths of the faster one, I don’t think it’s a bad thing,” the two-time world champion commented. However, he believes that Perez does not fit into this category. He understands the importance of Perez driving the second car for Red Bull but does not believe that Red Bull’s future includes the Mexican Minister of Defense.

“I know that having a Mexican driver is important for Red Bull. Mexico is a big market, which has its effect on things. But ultimately, you’re there to race and bring good results.” He continues, “You can’t rely on one driver only. You need to have two drivers on a certain level in order to develop the car. Is Perez’s future at Red Bull? I think it’s highly unlikely.”

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The one person who stands to benefit the most from this could very well be Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian looks like the only real driver who’s in contention for the second seat at the moment. Despite this, however, there’s still no guarantee that the Honey Badger will end up racing again for the Austrian team, even if Perez loses his seat.

Lando Norris to Red Bull?

Hear us out. It is highly unlikely that the McLaren driver would choose to give up his drive in the Surrey-based team to be Max’s second driver, but crazier things have happened in the past. This could prove especially wrong if McLaren manages to deliver a competitive package for the 2024 season, giving Norris the shot for his first race win in Formula 1.

Even former Ferrari team principal, Peter Windsor agrees on this take. “Lando would do a pretty good job, wouldn’t he? Lando’d be pretty much their perfect driver because they probably think he’s not quite as quick as Max, but he’s very capable of winning Grand Prix and taking up the slack if there is any that Max leaves, so, I would say if I was Marko and Christian, I’d be thinking of talking to Lando,” he comments, “Yeah I’d say Lando is the guy that I would go for. It doesn’t mean much I suppose, but he’s the most logical driver to have alongside Max I think.”

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While this is very much the outside chance, the other drivers in contention, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson might just not get the Red Bull nod anytime soon. Unless there’s a major shift in the grid, it looks likely that Ricciardo will have his Red Bull dream fulfilled by the 2025 season.