Sergio Perez being replaced at Red Bull has been the talk of the paddock ever since Daniel Ricciardo came back to F1. To Checo’s relief, it was recently revealed that a clause in his contract prevents him from being demoted to the junior team. However, Max Verstappen added insult to Checo’s injuries as the threat of a salary cut hangs over the Mexican. But why is this threat looming over Checo?

Sergio Perez came into the 2023 season roaring with hopes of putting Max Verstappen under pressure and challenging for the driver’s title. However, only after the first 4 races, Max Verstappen showed Checo why he’s the reigning world champion at the Miami GP when he started in the midfield and easily finished ahead of Perez. Ever since then, Sergio Perez lost his qualifying form and wasn’t able to qualify for Q3 for multiple races.

However, that’s not where it ends for Sergio Perez. Max Verstappen’s dominance has resulted in a 125-point gap being opened up between the two Red Bull drivers. Reports suggest there’s a clause in Sergio Perez’s Red Bull contract that allows the team to reduce the Mexican’s compensation in case he falls several points behind Max Verstappen. The threshold is suggested to be 125 points.

According to Formulapassion.it, the newspaper De Telegraaf suggests, “Red Bull has provided for a clause to possibly lower Sergio Perez’s compensation if the gap from Max Verstappen in the standings is too large. The distance that must elapse between the two-time world champion and the former Racing Point is just 125 points, the difference that currently divides the two drivers of the Milton Keynes team in the World Drivers’ Championship.” [Translated Via Google]

Read More: Accused of Being Arrogant Previously, Max Verstappen Reverses Public Opinion With Humble Gesture Towards Sergio Perez

There has been increasing speculation about Sergio Perez leaving Red Bull after a run of disappointing performances. Verstappen’s dominance further adds to the woes of the Mexican. He recently opened up about the importance of mental strength in such difficult times.

How does Sergio Perez maintain a good state of mind?

The Red Bull’s second driver seat is often regarded as the most difficult seat in Formula 1. It’s not only because of Red Bull’s ability to fire the second driver but also the pressure that comes with Max Verstappen as your teammate. Sergio Perez opened up about how an excellent state of mind is very important in such difficult times. He also revealed that he is constantly working with his psychologist to maintain a good space in his mind.

According to MundoDeportivo, Sergio Perez said, “The mental part is very important to be able to be calm now. It is something that I have worked quite hard on with my psychologist and I think we are in a very good state of mind. It is key to understand why everything has happened and learn how to deal with it. It’s part of an athlete’s career. We have a constant conversation with my psychologist.” [Translated Via Google]

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What did you think about the clause in Checo’s contract?