F1
**Red Bull Confronts Perez’s ‘Unsustainable’ Form Amid Intensifying Contract Clause Speculations**
Red Bull acknowledges that Sergio Perez's recent performance is not viable long-term, fueling ongoing rumors about a potential contract clause affecting his future in Formula 1.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has stated that Sergio Perez’s recent performance in Formula 1 cannot continue as it is, amidst growing rumors about his future with the team.
Perez faced another challenging weekend at the British Grand Prix, where he was knocked out in Q1 and ended up finishing Sunday's race in 17th place after an unsuccessful early switch to intermediate tires.
Following a season kickoff that saw Perez securing three second-place finishes in the first four races, he hasn't been on the podium since the Chinese Grand Prix in April. Over the past six races, his best result has been seventh place, as he continues to face challenges during qualifying.
The Mexican driver has fallen to sixth place in the drivers’ standings and trails his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen by a significant 137 points. Verstappen has played a key role in keeping the team ahead in the constructors’ championship.
Following Sunday's British Grand Prix, Horner acknowledged that it's not viable for him to continue without earning points.
"We need to earn points with that car, and he is fully aware of this. He understands his responsibilities and his goals, so no one is more determined than Checo to regain his performance."
Speculation is mounting that the two-year deal Perez inked just last month includes a clause tied to his performance, which could lead to his dismissal, potentially within this season, if his results don't improve.
According to Autosport, Red Bull has the option to end Perez's contract if his points deficit to Verstappen exceeds 100 at crucial times in the championship, such as during the summer break or at the season's conclusion.
Red Bull is considering options such as Daniel Ricciardo or Yuki Tsunoda from the RB team, or reserve driver Liam Lawson, who will be driving the team's latest RB20 car at Silverstone this Thursday.
Lawson's day of filming has increased rumors regarding Perez's future, though Horner sought to minimize the importance of the test.
According to Horner, "The Liam aero run has been in the works for several months, and naturally, Checo is feeling the pressure. That's just part of being in Formula 1."
"And when you don't meet expectations, the pressure just keeps increasing. He's conscious of this, he understands it, and this weekend hasn't worked out for him at all."
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