Sergio Perez showed his ability to take the fight to Max Verstappen in recent weeks, with two crucial wins in Azerbaijan and pole position in Miami.
Perez topped the timesheet in Miami, thanks to a red flag incident, giving him a strong starting position in Sunday’s Grand Prix, as Verstappen was forced to line up in P9.
Despite this advantage, Perez was unable to stop the charging Verstappen, as he cut his way through the field to take P1, extending his lead in the Drivers’ Standings.
With Perez putting the heat on Verstappen, as he forces the Dutchman to be top of his game each week, former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher fears the Mexican could be putting his career in jeopardy.
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Verstappen has long been seen as the number 1 driver at Red Bull, meaning any threat to his status could result in the Dutchman urging his team to look for a new driver to fill the seat.
“Sergio Perez drove strongly in Azerbaijan. He also has the potential to be faster than Max Verstappen here and there,” Schumacher told Sky Sports.
“But I believe with regard to the world championship fight that he does not have the consistency of Verstappen.
“He sometimes makes a mistake under pressure when he’s not so happy with the car.
“Verstappen doesn’t make those mistakes and so I think he’ll be the better driver over the course of the year.
“There are many rumours circulating in the paddock about Perez’s future.”
If Perez was pushed out of Red Bull, there is no shortage of drivers who could step up and take the seat, whether looking for a fresh face or experienced individual.
“Red Bull would have options: there is a Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo is still there and there are also enough drivers on the market.
“If there is a disturbed relationship between Verstappen and Perez, then it would make sense to part ways with the Mexican.
“If you look closely, you can see that the teammates don’t get along well.
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“And if a team has two drivers who don’t harmonise with each other, then that’s a big disadvantage for the team in the end.”
Heading to Imola, Verstappen and Perez are only divided by 14 points in the championship, leaving the door open for either driver to fight for the title.
Perez is aware that he has a chance to claim his maiden title should Verstappen slip up or suffer reliability issues, with one DNF handing the Mexican the lead in the championship.