In Formula 1, the driver culture at Red Bull Racing is known to be brutal, and caught in the gore this time is Sergio Perez. With a streak of underwhelming performance in the same machinery as Max Verstappen, the ‘Mexican minister of defense’ is inching closer to being out of his office. Red Bull currently has more drivers than seats, and a slight dip in performance will not be tolerated by Helmut Marko. Although Daniel Ricciardo has not raced for two years, he is back at the sister outfit, more confident than ever.

Marko has an apt eye for talent. If you happen to perform well in your junior career of motor racing, you bet Marko would be knocking on your door before anyone else even leaves their house. His portfolio has names like Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, and the three-time world champion Max Verstappen. But he is also ruthless. If he can promote a driver quickly, he can easily remove a driver from the team.

Is Marko employing psychological warfare against Sergio Perez?

In a sudden mid-season swap, Daniel Ricciardo was brought back to replace Nyck de Vries. Insiders will tell you that sacking de Vries wasn’t the only reason Ricciardo was back. It was also to extract performance from the Mexican driver, but before Ricciardo could pull any of the heroics, he crashed in Zandvoort. He was replaced by Liam Lawson. Having never driven an F1 car before, he amazed everyone present for the Grand Prix and viewers home.

In a turn of events, during the Singapore Grand Prix, Lawson was the only Red Bull driver to proceed for Q3. Although it was stunning from the Kiwi, Ricciardo is set to return for the US Grand Prix. He told ESPN about racing at Red Bull again, “This for me would be like the fairytale. Honestly, the fairytale ending to finish my career here if I could have it all my own way.” Having carried out simulator work for Red Bull and a potential sack for Perez, Daniel’s fairytale might not be far from reality anymore.

Where does Lawson go? Back to being a reserve driver for Red Bull? According to the Austrian website Kleine Zeitung, Marko said, “He’s a tough racer and one of the strongest drivers ever in a duel. With the role of reserve driver, he has a big task next year. He’ll be there by 2025 at the latest, but he’s already in a Formula 1 car anyway” [translated via Google]

Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Nyck de Vries have looked the devil in its eyes. This time around, it’s Sergio Perez on the receiving end. An ex-racer himself, having raced when the French Grand Prix was still a thing, Marko wants the drivers to be desperate. And desperate Perez is.

READ MORE: Ignoring Personal Flaws, Sergio Perez Ironically Whines about ‘Problematic’ Red Bull Challenger

Critics have attributed his lackluster performance to mounting pressure by Verstappen. Starting the season strong and a potential Red Bull 1-2 in the Championship, the Mexican driver has thrown it all.

Another disappointing weekend for the minister of defense

The sprint race in the Qatar Grand Prix sealed the Drivers Championship for Max Verstappen. His only rival, Perez was out after Alpine’s Esteban Ocon crashed into Nico Hulkenberg and in turn, took out Perez as well. It was a 3 for 1. Out of points and no more championship contention the Mexican Driver will start P13 for the Sunday Race. And he does not look hopeful. He said, “A lot of damage to my car. Unfortunately, there is a lot damage, and we will see if we have more problems tomorrow…”

His distress and worry are evident in his performance. At Suzuka, he made a desperate lunge at Kevin Magnussen taking himself out of the race. Perez last stood on the podium at the Italian Grand Prix. Currently, he is at 223 points, increasing only at a snail’s pace. The Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton is closing in on him at 194 points. He is also under pressure from the upgraded McLarens. There are enough races left this year that the contention for second place in the championship is still open. The Red Bull dream of drivers 1-2 has taken the form of a vanishing memory.

WATCH THIS STORY | Andrea Stellas Compelling Message The Key To Keeping Lando Norris At Mclaren Amid Red Bulls Interest

At Red Bull, nothing is permanent. With Helmut Marko not holding back his criticism and letting drivers go, Perez’s future is uncertain. From a driver who had no seat in F1 for 2021, until Red Bull pulled up, he stands at a similar junction again. Put Ricciardo’s aspirations in the mix, and the New Zealander’s potential, Perez could already be halfway out the door.