Sergio Perez...Exit Stage Left?

[N. Jones]

Rumors are swirling that our man Checo is going to be out, replaced by Liam Lawson.

Any comment, commentors?

[Used to be Starter]

Better than even money that will happen.

[N. Jones]

HE Gone:

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-confirms-long-expected-red-bull-departure

[Matthew]

HE Gone:

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-confirms-long-expected-red-bull-departure

Not a surprise to know that he has been replaced but I was expecting Yuki to replace him instead of Liam. For me, Yuki was more deserving to take this seat.

[Steve Boyd]

Not a surprise to know that he has been replaced but I was expecting Yuki to replace him instead of Liam. For me, Yuki was more deserving to take this seat.I think if Yuki was going to be the replacement it would have happened much sooner. Clearly the Red Bull management don't have the faith in him and would rather have Liam. Maybe his car set-up preference is closer to Max than Yuki. It make or break for Liam though. Being up against Max every race in the "same" equipment could destroy him.
(The "quotes" are there for the conspiracy theorists who believe the Red Bull second garage never gives the same treatment as the first garage! :) )

[Nitrodaze]

Not a surprise to know that he has been replaced but I was expecting Yuki to replace him instead of Liam. For me, Yuki was more deserving to take this seat.

I thought he should have left two seasons ago and put his effort in finding another team to continue his F1 journey. It was clear to everyone he was never going to get a competitive setup to take the race to Verstappen.

It surprised me that Redbull chose to ignore proof of performance but went with who they liked. They like Liam's attitude over Yuki's efforts to defeat every teammate they have thrown at him. It is unfair, as he has done the work to warrant a chance in that seat.

That said, we are talking about the cursed garage here. He may have dodged a bullet, I think. That side of the Redbull garage has damaged many careers. Everyone thought Perez's experience may make that garage work. It didn't bode well for him in the end, did it?

For a young driver desperate for an F1 drive, it makes sense to take the risk, Afterall, what has he got to lose? Albon and Gasly have survived it, and Liam may well benefit from it. As for Yuki, the question is what now? I suspect he is not impressed with the situation. But what can he do about it. All seats are locked out for the next two seasons at least. The only thing that could open opportunities for him, is if Verstappen decides to jump ship to Mercedes or Aston Martin {yes you heard it here first} wink wink.

Such a move would stir up the driver's market as a number of driver shuffles may ensue. A move to Williams may become possible for Yuki.

From a fan's perspective, it did not seem fair. They should have given him half a chance to prove himself at least. That said, Liam has impressed in the short time he has been in the car. The problem is he has not been in the car long enough to really indicate what he would be like over a full season of F1. Even having the advantage of being fresher compared to a half-season-worn Yuki, Yuki still managed to outperform Liam. Under normal circumstances, one would you put the proven driver in the car. But they have a strange way at looking at things at Redbull, don't they.

[Nitrodaze]

I think if Yuki was going to be the replacement it would have happened much sooner. Clearly the Red Bull management don't have the faith in him and would rather have Liam. Maybe his car set-up preference is closer to Max than Yuki. It make or break for Liam though. Being up against Max every race in the "same" equipment could destroy him.
(The "quotes" are there for the conspiracy theorists who believe the Red Bull second garage never gives the same treatment as the first garage! :) )

I don't think he would be getting the same car as Verstappen, Perez didn't. He is going there to be the supporting driver, not to race Verstappen. It would nonetheless be a great opportunity for him. to establish himself in F1. There is low risk for him. All he has to do is perform better than Perez did this season. That is a very low bar to hop over.

[F1nKS]

I think if Yuki was going to be the replacement it would have happened much sooner. Clearly the Red Bull management don't have the faith in him and would rather have Liam. Maybe his car set-up preference is closer to Max than Yuki. It make or break for Liam though. Being up against Max every race in the "same" equipment could destroy him.
(The "quotes" are there for the conspiracy theorists who believe the Red Bull second garage never gives the same treatment as the first garage! :) )

From the information I found, Liam was chosen because:

1. Yuki was just a little faster than Liam. Therefore, they judged Liam to have a higher ceiling as he gained more experience.

2. Liam is more analytical, less emotional, and is judged to have more mental strength than Yuki.

There are probably some intangibles that, with all things being equal, Honda is moving to a competitor. This might light a fire under Yuki to focus on improving and being more consistent.

[Nitrodaze]

From the information I found, Liam was chosen because:

1. Yuki was just a little faster than Liam. Therefore, they judged Liam to have a higher ceiling as he gained more experience.

2. Liam is more analytical, less emotional, and is judged to have more mental strength than Yuki.

There are probably some intangibles that, with all things being equal, Honda is moving to a competitor. This might light a fire under Yuki to focus on improving and being more consistent.

That is speculative at best. They never really know if Yuki has a lower ceiling than Liam. That said, with the brief opportunity given to Liam, he has demonstrated great potential. Even so, that is no guarantee of success. Or if he would do better than Yuki if given the chance. But they had to go with their gut, and Liam has the aggression we see in Verstappen and his rate of progression seems higher. He seems hungrier and more desperate for an opportunity to perform. To be honest, l would be more inclined to go with that if l were in their shoes. What we see here is a demonstration of how the path to becoming a champion is formed for each driver as they go through their formative years in F1. An impression or lingering doubt could dovetail a driver's career to a path destined to never become a world champion or get a seat at a top team.