F1 Pundit Believes Red Bull Should Replace Sergio Pérez With Race Winner
Red Bull has dominated this season as the constructer has lost only one race in 2023. Max Verstappen has been outstanding and has already won the championship this year. Yet, the Dutchman's teammate, Sergio Pérez, has struggled. It has left many people wondering if Red Bull will drop him for 2024. Peter Windsor says Valtteri Bottas would be the ideal partner for Verstappen.
Sergio Pérez Struggling
Pérez started the season strong. Many people even thought he could challenge Verstappen for the title. Yet, since the opening races, Pérez’s performances have fallen off. Instead of challenging for the drivers' championship. He is in a battle for second with Lewis Hamilton. There are plenty of drivers who would thrive in that seat. Windsor explains why Pérez must go and what type of driver should replace him. He talks about the driver situation on his YouTube channel.
"Perez, after getting beaten by Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin around Brazil. The time has come to think about getting somebody who's a bit more adaptable. Also, a bit more of a racer in all conditions than Sergio Perez," Windsor said.
"You don't want a George Russell in there, you don't want an Oscar Piastri stirring things up. And so, who else would I put in that second seat?
Could Bottas Be The Answer
Bottas has proven that he can be a good number-two driver. The evidence for this is his time with Mercedes. Where he was Lewis Hamilton’s partner, Windsor talks about why Red Bull should want Bottas.
"Valtteri Bottas would be another guy who would do a good job in that second Red Bull," he explained.
"He's the sort of guy that Red Bull would hire because he's got a good pedigree, he's a bit quieter than Perez.
"He's not by no means in the same class as Max or Lewis or Charles [Leclerc], but he's not bad. Better than Perez. If you're going to look at anybody, Bottas would be the guy.
"It would be worth making an offer to Bottas because I can't imagine he imagines he's going to be in Audi's future. I'm sure he's not. A nice two-year deal for Bottas would be an excellent move.
All quotes via Crash
It will be fascinating to see what Red Bull will do with their second seat. Bottas has shown that he can perform that role very well.