As the 2024 Formula 1 season continues to unfold, Red Bull Racing, one of the sport’s most dominant teams in recent years, is facing growing concerns over the performance gap between its star driver, Max Verstappen, and his teammate, Sergio Pérez.

While Verstappen’s dominance has been a key factor in Red Bull’s recent success, the disparity in performance between the two drivers has become increasingly evident.

Experts and insiders suggest that Red Bull may not be able to afford this imbalance for much longer, given the heightened pressure on Pérez to deliver results.

Max Verstappen has been a revelation for Red Bull, winning multiple races and seemingly on course to secure his third consecutive World Drivers’ Championship title.

His ability to extract the maximum from the car has set an incredibly high bar for his teammate. Pérez, on the other hand, has struggled to consistently compete at the same level as the Dutch driver.

While Pérez has shown flashes of brilliance, such as his win in the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, his overall performance has often lagged behind Verstappen’s.

Red Bull’s success is built on teamwork and the ability to consistently deliver results from both drivers. The team has historically relied on strong support from both of their drivers to secure constructors’ titles and maintain their position at the top of the grid.

However, Pérez’s inconsistent performances have raised questions about whether he can continue to contribute at the level Red Bull demands.

Reports from within the F1 paddock suggest that Red Bull is becoming increasingly concerned about this driver disparity, with whispers of potential replacements or alternative options being considered.

The team’s leadership, including Christian Horner, has been vocal in the past about their desire for Pérez to step up and deliver more consistent performances. However, with each passing race, the pressure on the Mexican driver only intensifies.

There is also the issue of long-term strategy. Red Bull is looking ahead to the 2025 season, with rumors swirling that they are evaluating the possibility of bringing in a younger, more promising driver who could help close the performance gap.

While Pérez has had his moments, he is not yet delivering the kind of results that would justify keeping him in the team for the long term.

As the season progresses, Red Bull faces a delicate balancing act. While they are in the enviable position of having a dominant car in Verstappen, they cannot afford a persistent gap in performance between their two drivers.

Red Bull may soon be forced to make a difficult decision regarding Pérez’s future if his form does not improve, as they strive to maintain their place at the top of the F1 hierarchy.