We can’t help but speculate on the 2024 driver’s lineup. The amount of uncertainties for the next season’s lineup keeps growing. Among the many, the biggest question mark is about the future of Sergio Perez. Even though the Mexican has pulled his socks up in the last few races, his dip in form and failure to make it to Q3 in five consecutive races still hands over his shoulders. To think Perez started the season wanting to challenge for the championship makes it worse. However, this ambition alone can be the reason Perez might not be a Red Bull driver in 2024. The reason? Max Verstappen!

Verstappen is the de facto winner of the 2023 championship. Even if he wasn’t so far ahead of the competition, the Dutchman would get all the support from his team. This reality puts a major dent in Perez’s ambitions to fight for the championship. So imagining a scenario where Perez is fighting for the title, the Mexican would’ve still been playing second fiddle to his teammate. This is exactly why former boss Eddie Jordan doesn’t see Perez at Red Bull in 2024.

Discussing this on the Formula For Success podcast, Jordan said, “I don’t think Perez is going to be in that team next year. That’s the vibe I got. There were too many little instances where I think the favoritism is very much in Max’s favor and I don’t think Checo is going to be able to put up with that much longer.”

However, the Irishman’s opinion is completely in contrast to the statements made by the Red Bull boss, Christian Horner. The British boss assured Perez of his continued association with the team in a recent statement.

Read More: “Has to Have an Opportunity to Come Back”: Daniel Ricciardo Could Cement Red Bull Return With Just One Requirement

In fact, even Red Bull’s advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, spoke in Perez’s favor. However, his statement left room for some doubt.

Red Bull taskmaster assures Sergio Perez will be driving alongside Max Verstappen in the 2024 season but with considerable doubt

The Mexican was under heavy scrutiny during the middle part of the season, due to his poor qualifying results. Although, since then Perez has picked up the pace and put in some impressive drivers. Such is the fickle nature of Formula 1.

This is exactly what Marko highlighted, despite assuring Perez of his RB seat in 2024.

Marko said, “Nothing is 100 percent certain in Formula 1. It just doesn’t exist. There are always performance-related situations somewhere that need to be discussed. We’ll take a look and discuss how to proceed in Zandvoort. Then we’ll know more. Of course, the goal is to go into the next season with Checo, but he has to deliver for that.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Sergio Perez Caught in the Crossfire as Sebastian Vettel Dismisses All Attempts to Downplay Verstappen’s Dominance

Daniel Ricciardo is ready to pounce and now even Lando Norris is in contention. Will the minister of defense be able to defend his seat?