In a sport like F1, money is a huge factor that decides the fate of the sport and its drivers. With very limited seats available, one’s place is secured only if they are talented enough to hit the headlines and bring the money angle to the table. The reason why top drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are so valuable to their teams.

And when talking about Red Bull, Sergio Perez brings the same value to the Austrian racing company. Considering he is the only Mexican on the grid, Perez pulls in great sponsorships for Red Bull. However, with his future in question due to his bad performances, will this sponsorship help him keep a hold of his seat? Especially now that Daniel Ricciardo is back in a driving seat for the Red Bull family?

Notably, Ricciardo will be making his case for the Red Bull seat while driving for AlphaTauri. Now, the Australian is one step closer to securing his “fairytale” ending. However, this can translate to a massive financial loss for Red Bull. Perez generates $33 million from social media alone, more than Verstappen. However, according to Sky Sports F1 experts discussing the scenario on their podcast, this isn’t enough to leave Perez scot-free.

Ted Kravitz expressed his thoughts on how Ricciardo’s return may affect Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull. He said, “If he is amazing, Checo will be pretty worried actually. Even though Checo brings in a lot of sponsorships and a lot of merchandise opportunities and selling Red Bull stuff in Mexico to Mexican fans.” 

“Checo does attract sponsorship, there are a few sponsors I can point to on the car that have come courtesy of Red Bull’s desire to expand and exploit the South American and Mexican markets. He may well be worried if Red Bull decides to go the Ricciardo way if he turns out to be the man who turns AlphaTauri around.”

Sergio Perez certainly will have to bank on an overturn in form despite his sponsorship flex. After all, he is competing with the marketing legend Daniel Ricciardo. Despite the tug-of-war between Perez and Ricciardo, there are some who believe Lando Norris will be a better fit at Red Bull. However, it will have its own challenges.

F1 Expert Picks Lando Norris Ahead of Daniel Ricciardo for Red Bull’s Future

We are all aware of Norris’s ability behind a single-seater. In fact, the Brit gave a good account of himself during the British GP with his P2 finish and overall brilliant drive. This is why many believe after his contract runs out with McLaren, the Brit will be the best bet for the second Red Bull seat. However, Peter Windsor believes Norris in a Red Bull will pose a different challenge to the team.

Windsor expresses, “The trouble would start because how’s he going to beat Max Verstappen, and then what does Lando Norris become? Does he become just a really good number two or what?” No driver of Norris’s quality will settle for the number two spot.

WATCH THIS STORY | How Lando Norris Had a Chance to Go to Red Bull But Instead Chose McLaren

However, at Red Bull every driver, at least till 2028, will play second fiddle to Verstappen. Does this put Red Bull in a situation where they keep hiring second drivers on the grid and then fire them when they can’t keep up? Or should, at one point, the Austrian team starts thinking beyond 2028?

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