There is no doubt that Sergio Perez has enjoyed a solid start to the 2023 F1 season, with the Mexican having perhaps started this year better than any previous campaign.
Whilst his weekend at the Albert Park Circuit was made more difficult following an error in Q1, which saw him start the race from the pit-lane, Perez showed exceptional pace to recover to fifth.
His P5 at the Australian Grand Prix has seen team-mate Max Verstappen extend his lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 15 points; however, Perez should have the confidence that he can push the Dutchman all the way.
His victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was proof that Perez can take the fight to Verstappen, with the 33-year-old having remained strong despite immense pressure from the double World Champion.
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Whilst many might see his win in Jeddah as simple, given that Verstappen started 15th, the Mexican was in a position where he had to capitalise on the 25-year-old’s bad starting position, something he superbly did.
Perez will need to ensure that he capitalises on every opportunity that falls his way this season, should he wish to keep his title bid alive.
It will also be vital in regard to Red Bull extending his contract, with the Mexican only having until the end of 2024 left on his current deal.
Whilst that is still over 18 months away, comments from AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost have led to suggestions that Perez may have significant competition for his seat.
Tost believes 22-year-old Yuki Tsunoda will be ready to replace Perez in 2025, meaning the Mexican will need to prove that he’s worth retaining.
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Whilst Perez is incredibly popular off the circuit, Red Bull might begin to look to the future, given that Perez is 33 and that Max Verstappen has threatened to quit in 2028.
“All I can say is that Yuki is on the right track. He has improved in every respect. But I think he should drive at Alpha Tauri again in 2024,” Tost said, as reported by GPFans.com.
“In 2025, I think he will finally be ready for Red Bull.”