Perez in ‘painful’ Ricciardo comparison as Red Bull ‘relief’ looms

Martin Brundle will be “relieved” when Red Bull ultimately decides to axe Sergio Perez, sharing his belief that it “must be painful” for the driver to continue with the team.

In doing so, the former F1 driver-turned-commentator drew parallels to Daniel Ricciardo, saying he feels similarly about the two.

The Australian’s situation had distinct differences to Perez’s, but he was nevertheless fighting against a rising tide in his final year with RB.

Having been expected to recapture his old magic and make himself a suitable replacement for the Mexican if he did indeed falter, Ricciardo fell short of the mark, unable to revitalise his form.

Having spent almost the entire 2024 season up to the Singapore Grand Prix in the shadow of team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull had seen enough, opting to fire the 35-year-old to make permanent way for Liam Lawson, something that has ultimately ended his F1 career.

Now, with Perez’s days in Milton Keynes seemingly numbered, it is down to Tsunoda and Lawson to convince Christian Horner and the rest of the decision makers there that he is the person to partner Max Verstappen next term.

To Brundle, it is a difficult and painful way for things to end for the six-time grand prix winner. The 65-year-old highlighted some of Perez’s strengths whilst hoping for a swift end to the saga.

“I feel the same way about Sergio as I did about Daniel Ricciardo, actually,” Brundle said on Sky Sports F1.

“I have the utmost respect for the person and the driver and the victories he’s had and some of the great overtakes and all the things we’ve seen Sergio do.

“Sometimes in subpar cars, as well, he’s won races without the fastest car on the track. Total respect. But I’ll be slightly relieved when it’s over. It must be purgatory for him at the moment.

“He’s lost his mojo, he’s lost his way and all the pressure that’s being heaped on that, it must be [difficult]. To turn up to the track every day must be painful.”