Frans Verschuur says he “doesn’t understand” Red Bull’s decision to hand Sergio Perez a new two-year contract and has called for the team to replace him with Yuki Tsunoda.
Just days after his crash at the Monaco Grand Prix, Red Bull announced that Perez had signed a new two-year contract extension, ending speculation over who will be Max Verstappen’s team-mate in 2025.
Red Bull’s decision to keep Sergio Perez is ‘incomprehensible’
Having dashed the hopes of Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo and even Carlos Sainz, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko spoke of continuity.
He added: “Checo lives up to expectations. He has his ups and downs but he’s still a fast driver.”
However, a week later, the Mexican driver fought his way back from 16th on the grid at the Canadian Grand Prix, only to spin off on lap 53, his second crash in two race weekends.
This sparked debate as to whether Red Bull made the right decision.
Verschuur, who won the Le Mans 24 Hours as team principal with Jos Verstappen, is among those baffled by the decision and believes Tsunoda, already confirmed as the Rally Brake driver for 2025, would do a better job.
“I don’t understand why the guy signed a two-year deal,” he said. Zigot Sports Race Cafe“He does a ton of damage, but he doesn’t generate a ton of damage.
“It’s also a tragedy because he can’t score any points in the constructors’ championship. Max has to go it alone.”
He added, “Put Yuki in and switch the two of them! I don’t understand!”
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Verschuur said Jos Verstappen was unfazed about who would be in the second car behind his son Max.
The driver’s father has bigger concerns about Red Bull after earlier off-track drama which saw team principal Christian Horner under investigation by Red Bull’s parent company for alleged inappropriate behaviour.
But the comments were dismissed before Verstappen could publicly call for Horner to resign.
“Jos doesn’t say anything about it either. They don’t care who’s at fault,” Verschuur said.
“Joss doesn’t think it’s that important. He has resources around him and he’s already afraid of discord within the team.”
“Maybe they did it to bring peace back to the team by bringing in Perez, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. Fire the guy!”
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