Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel is convinced that Sergio Perez will be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo next season, despite the fact the Mexican is contracted until 2024.
Perez’s deal is due to expire at the end of next season and Red Bull have insisted that they will respect his contract, something Coronel seemingly doesn’t agree with.
Checo’s 2023 campaign has been very mixed, with a variety of inconsistent results.
The 33-year-old started the season phenomenally, by claiming two wins from the opening four rounds.
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However, the Mexican has recently endured a run of five races without a Q3 appearance, which finally came to an end at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
His shocking form has seen him slip 125 points behind Max Verstappen, effectively ruling him out of title contention once again.
Coronel is certain that Perez’s form isn’t good enough to be a Red Bull driver, with him identifying Ricciardo’s as Verstappen’s best team-mate ever.
The Dutch driver has compared Perez’s deal to “toilet paper” and believes Red Bull could terminate it should they wish, something they’ve done with several drivers in the past.
Coronel is convinced that it’ll be Ricciardo alongside Verstappen next season, something he labels as “very clear”.
“In the whole of Formula One, a contract is toilet paper,” Coronel told RacingNews365.com.
“The most money is made the moment contracts are dissolved, you’ve seen that before with drivers. ‘Shall we say goodbye now? Okay, so then it will cost 20 million extra’, on top of it. But then you can move on. We all know what will happen to Perez. Come on, we know that!
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“It’s very clear. Helmut Marko [Red Bull driver programme boss] is just looking for a very strong second driver. Verstappen’s best team-mate ever? That was Ricciardo. So yes, you know, then I see it anyway: that’s what they are looking for. Perez just doesn’t have the consistency. A sub-topper, nothing wrong with that.
“But you are looking for a Ricciardo, who then beat Sebastian Vettel. Is this going to be the new World Champion?
“Well, with Max next to you you can forget about that, but one thing is for sure: at Red Bull you need a driver who will be at least second or third and that’s where I think Perez is still too often overshooting himself, let’s put it nicely…”