Sergio Perez’s early elimination from Q1 during the recent Formula 1 qualifying session at Silverstone has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, prompting a flood of amusing reactions on Twitter.
The incident has also fuelled growing demands from fans for fan favourite Daniel Ricciardo to take Perez’s seat at Red Bull Racing.
Despite being under contract until the conclusion of the 2024 season, Perez’s recent struggles have put him under intense scrutiny.
Failing to reach Q3 in five consecutive races has amplified the pressure on the Mexican driver, with the spectre of an early dismissal from his Red Bull contract looming ominously.
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Among the alternative options being suggested by fans and pundits are the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda, and Alex Palou.
However, it is Ricciardo who has emerged as the popular choice, resonating with the sentiments expressed on Twitter following Perez’s Q1 exit.
Memes capturing both the merciless and comical aspects of the incident quickly spread across the platform.
The F1 fans were in a frenzy, backing Daniel Ricciardo to take Perez’s seat at Red Bull.
As Perez faces the challenge of playing catch-up in the upcoming races, his teammate Max Verstappen stands poised to seize the opportunity to widen his lead in the Drivers’ Standings.
Verstappen has dominated this season, winning seven races while Perez managed to secure two victories, enabling Red Bull Racing to maintain an unbeaten record thus far.
In order to salvage his position and regain the confidence of his team and supporters, Perez must draw upon his previous success.
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His impressive performance in Austria, where he secured a remarkable victory, serves as a reminder of his potential to overcome adversity.
The pressure on Perez to deliver a strong performance is further compounded by the significance of his starting position, which has been compromised due to his Q1 exit.
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s pursuit of victory provides him with the opportunity to extend his lead to over 100 points in the Drivers’ Standings, solidifying his dominance in the championship.