P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ralf Schumacher has claimed Max Verstappen’s wage and the sponsorship Sergio Perez delivers was a factor in the latter extending his Red Bull Formula 1 contract. Perez recovered from his mid-season slump last term to produce a positive start to 2024, but he’s failed to progress to Q3 and taken four points in the last […]
Perez bounced back from a mid-season slump last term and had a strong start in 2024, but failed to advance to Q3 in recent races and scored just four points. Despite this, Red Bull has announced a two-year contract extension for Perez, keeping him alongside Verstappen through the 2026 season. While Perez poses little threat to Verstappen’s title hopes, their positive dynamic is valued by the team. Schumacher noted that Perez’s financial contributions, including sponsorships from Mexican brands, played a role in Red Bull’s decision-making. Red Bull is facing increased competition from Ferrari and McLaren this season, with the championship race tightening. Despite challenges, Horner emphasized the importance of both drivers performing at a high level and dismissed the idea of changing plans for the second seat based on recent struggles.
