Former F1 and driver TV announcer for Sky Sports F1 Johnny Herbert was recently asked about the future of Sergio Perez with Red Bull. He believes that although it is almost certain there will be a favoritism at teams, only drivers with a consistently good performance can really and genuinely exist within them.
Photo credit: Red Bull Racing
“As much as Sergio showed in the early part of the season that he was more than capable of mixing it with Max, there was then a point that he wasn’t,” said Herbert.
He thinks drivers like Schumacher, Senna, Mansell, Hakkinen show thorough examples of drivers capable to get the best out of their apparatus every race weekend and this is something Perez cannot boast.
According to the Brit:“He [Perez] is under threat, but he is a very good number two,” as the Mexican’s performances have won Red Bull championships before.
“Even then he would be second or third, and that will still enable Red Bull to win the constructors’ championship, which is obviously very important,” he added.
When considering which driver could replace him, should Red Bull decide they need a fresh and challenging start, Herbert thought about Russell, Hamilton or Norris.
“He [Norris] has a long-term contract with McLaren and I don’t know if he has a performance clause in it to move from McLaren,” said the 3-time Grand Prix winner when discussing Norris’ contract situation at McLaren.
He further emphasized that the current McLaren star can be a good addition to Red Bull as he fits the team in his potential, capabilities and his progressivity.
Photo credit: McLaren Racing
“I think it would be a good move for Red Bull. It would add positivity to the team and I think he is more than capable of being able to deal with that position.”
Herbert feels that Norris is capable enough to handle such pressure and this scenario could benefit everyone involved; both Red Bull Racing Team and Lando Norris himself, who can exhibit his potential in a more competitive car and abundant media attention. The fans will have to wait and see what moves Red Bull makes next, regarding their driver lineup for next year’s Formula 1 season as they are standing in the first place in both championships for the second season in a row.
