Otmar Szafnauer backs Sergio Perez for Red Bull contract renewal

Otmar Szafnauer, Sergio Perez’s former boss at Racing Point, has weighed in on the Mexican F1 star’s current situation with his Red Bull contract expiring at the end of the season. Szafnauer believes that Perez should be retained by Red Bull for the upcoming season, citing his racecraft as a key strength that makes up for his weakness in qualifying.

During a recent media interaction, Szafnauer expressed his confidence in Perez’s abilities, stating that he would replace Perez with Perez if he were in Christian Horner’s shoes. The American highlighted Perez’s role in helping Max Verstappen secure the championship title in 2021 and praised his defensive skills on the track.

Despite Perez’s struggles in qualifying, Szafnauer emphasized his talent in managing tires and overtaking during races. He recalled instances where Perez outperformed his teammate due to his ability to preserve his tires and make strategic moves on the track.

Szafnauer acknowledged that qualifying has always been Perez’s weakness but believes that his strengths in racecraft and tire management make him a valuable asset to Red Bull. With Perez showing improved consistency and performance this season, Szafnauer’s endorsement adds weight to the argument for Red Bull to extend Perez’s contract for another season.

As the speculation around Perez’s future at Red Bull continues, Szafnauer’s support for the Mexican driver could influence the team’s decision-making process in the coming months.