Perez makes mistakes: 'Is probably pretty messed up mentally'
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- Sam Godber
Sergio Perez experienced a hugely disappointing weekend in Japan. The Mexican crashed out (twice) and did not have the speed of his teammate. Perez also had several contacts with other drivers, including Kevin Magnussen. Perez was penalised for the incident with the Dane and the Red Bull Racing driver also received a penalty for overtaking Fernando Alonso during the safety car. Former F1 driver Timo Glock thinks Perez is "in quite a bit of trouble mentally".
Perez makes mistake after mistake
As in Singapore, Perez went wrong several times in Japan. In the city-state, the Mexican tried to outsmart Yuki Tsunoda and Alexander Albon ambitiously, but both actions ended in an incident. A week later in Japan, Perez seemed to have learned little from that with his overtaking attempt on Magnussen: once again there was a lot of contact. This time, the incident even resulted in a (temporary) retirement.
Glock doesn't understand Perez's actions at all. "Some mistakes Perez makes are simply incomprehensible given his experience and put him in a difficult starting position," the German wrote in his column for Sky Sports. According to Glock, the Mexican is especially struggling with the speed of teammate Max Verstappen: "Against Verstappen he has no chance anymore and little by little he is being shown his limits, so he is probably in quite a lot of trouble mentally."
Glock: 'Red Bull has replacements Perez ready'
Perez still has a contract for next season, but for the 2025 season the Mexican is not yet sure of a seat at Red Bull Racing. Glock knows there is plenty of competition for that free seat. "Still, Red Bull has said relatively clearly that Perez will stay next year alongside Verstappen. But of course you bring in certain drivers, like Daniel Ricciardo, Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda , who can take over if Perez doesn't do well next year either," the German concluded.