Sergio Perez Confesses Red Bull ‘Number 2’ Role Would “Surprise” Him

With Williams F1 announcing that they will be sticking with George Russell and Nicholas Latifi for 2021, Sergio Perez is left with very few options on the table. One of them being Red Bull.

In recent times, many rumors have cropped up, suggesting that Checo could end up at Red Bull. Why? The reason being that incumbent driver Alex Albon has failed to fire despite having the team’s backing.

Furthermore, team boss Christian Horner had said that if Albon doesn’t get the drive for 2021, then it would be someone from outside the academy. That statement suggests that Perez or even ex teammate Nico Hulkenberg could land up at the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Speaking about the possibility of that move, at the press conference ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Sergio Perez said, “I don’t rule them out at the moment.

“Until they’re not confirmed, they’re an option. As the time is running there is very, very few opportunities to remain on the grid for next year.”

Will Sergio Perez be content with a ‘number 2’ role?

Red Bull clearly don’t need a lead driver. For that they have the excellent Max Verstappen. What they desire is a strong number 2 who can push the Dutchman that little bit more while also delivering consistent top 5 finishes and a handful of podiums in a season at least.

Looking at Perez’s CV, that’s exactly what he would bring to the table. However, the Mexican hints at the fact that he doesn’t want to be pigeon holed into a ‘number 2’ from day one, if he does indeed end up at Red Bull.

He said, “The number two status is given on track.

I would be surprised that there is a team that tells you, you are number two if you join them. But I don’t know how Red Bull is working.” 

How have Red Bull handled their drivers in the past?

To answer Perez’s question, the Milton Keynes based team prefer to have a clear hierarchy. Think back to the glory days, Sebastian Vettel was most definitely the man who got preferential treatment over Mark Webber and was the undisputed number 1.

In the recent past too, Red Bull have clearly been on the lookout for a solid second act and not someone who’d interfere with Verstappen and his title chances. Think, Pierre Gasly and now, Alex Albon.

The last time they had no particular driver hierarchy was during 2017 and 2018 with Verstappen and Ricciardo. Both the drivers performed really well, however, there were too many heated on track incidents that led Red Bull to switch back to the hierarchal system.

Not that this system has reaped great rewards for the team. But it has allowed Verstappen to shine big time.

If they get Perez, then they’d expect him to push Verstappen all the way without hogging the limelight. Would Perez be down for that? That’s a whole different story. But then again, he wouldn’t really decline an offer if a top team like Red Bull come calling.