Sergio Perez was the personification of redemption at the Belgian GP Qualifiers. Looks like the Mexican driver finally found his ground back. Spa has never been an easy track and rain could make it even trickier. However, defying all odds, Checo clinched a seat in the front row for Sunday’s race. Driving in Intermediates is never a cakewalk, but keeping in mind, Perez’s experience he made it look quite simple. To be honest, he put up his best performance so far.

The Red Bull No.2 had been desperate for this opportunity. Is he supposed to be casual when his seat is at stake? No. Perez understands the importance of being in F1, so if he failed in the Qualifying, his boss wouldn’t have thought twice before replacing him. Luckily, the 34-year-old didn’t give that chance to Christian Horner. In fact, his performance impressed Horner. Good for Sergio Perez!

Red Bull’s team principal had been waiting for Perez to perform the way he did in Spa. Flouting the wet circuit, the Mexican was at his best. Following the Qualifiers, Horner rejoiced, stating: “Checo. Well done, mate. Front row, just a tenth off. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, Max. That was absolutely brilliant, all three sessions.” If Sergio Perez continues with the same skills on Sunday, he could secure his seat.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen also put up an outstanding show! But he is taking the 10-place grid penalty this weekend, he will start from P11 instead of P1. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez will go from P3 to P2, thanks to Verstappen’s engine penalty. And Charles Leclerc will start from P1 and Lewis Hamilton from P3. Overall, an extremely exciting race is waiting to unfold in Belgium. However, will Sergio Perez’s main race performance be enough to convince Red Bull?

Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson to audition for Sergio Perez’s Red Bull seat

One good thing about the replacement speculation is that Christian Horner and Co. haven’t yet taken a decision. They have in fact, given ample chances to Sergio Perez to prove himself. Meanwhile, Horner and Helmut Marko have also kept Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson under observation. Who would be the right choice? This question’s answer is a big secret. However, the impending loom hasn’t left Perez’s side. Red Bull expects Ricciardo and Lawson to test-drive during the summer break.

Perez’s back-to-back qualifying crashes haven’t been forgiven yet. Since it hampered the team’s constructor points, so backup options are being considered. On the other hand, Ricciardo and Lawson’s lap times will be closely studied for Perez’s Red Bull seat. If they replace Perez, they may give the spot to the most impressive performer. However, Ricciardo’s place on the grid is not yet secure, but it seems less in jeopardy than a few weeks ago, although it remains uncertain if he’ll continue with the satellite team or achieve his wish of returning to Red Bull.

Ultimately, it all comes down to Sergio Perez’s Belgian GP campaign. If he succeeds in retaining his position till the end, then a podium is guaranteed. However, if mishaps happen, then Spa-Francorchamps will see Perez in the Milton Keynes gear for the last time. Therefore, he has to give his best if he doesn’t want to give up on his extended contract.

Do you think Sergio Perez will get a podium tomorrow? Share your thoughts in the comments.