In Q1 of the Hungary Grand Prix, poor Pérez slid onto the wall at Turn 8, causing another serious crash and ending up in sixteenth place, while today's long race will have a hard time for the Mexico to get into the points zone if nothing else. There is no doubt that with this crash, the likelihood of him being replaced after the summer break is becoming more and more likely. Ironically, his embarrassing record of just 15 points in the last six races may be rewritten, and for Red Bull Racing, their lead over McLaren by 71 points after this weekend may be further reduced, and it is no exaggeration to say that if Red Bull are unable to successfully defend the Constructors' Title this year, it will be entirely thanks to Pérez.
After qualifying, Verstappen defended his teammates vigorously, because Pérez's performance in Friday's practice session was still remarkable, but after three practice sessions on Saturday morning, he was beaten back to his original shape, perhaps as a result of increasing pressure, or perhaps also related to some of the upgrades brought this time, it is reported that the new front wing brings more downforce to the front of the car, which is good for the RB20 to improve the accuracy of cornering, and is very suitable for playing in the Hengroning multi-bend scenario, But he oversteered at Turn 8 precisely because he overemphasized the speed of the entry into the corner when the track was a bit slippery, in other words, it was the result of his underestimation of the condition of the track, perhaps because he wanted to perform too much, in fact, he was already a wake-up call for him in 13th place in the third session, and in the same corner, Russell had already made a mistake before Pérez, but it didn't take his attention.
However, in his post-race interview, the Mexico showed his usual calm and optimism, believing that he still had a chance to score points in the race, but as we all know, Hengroning's track characteristics will not be easy for him to overtake the slower cars in front of him in normal conditions unless it rains or encounters a safety car. With two consecutive races on the wall, the Mexican can still show such optimism but let us see another more Buddhist Pérez, but his lack of desire is contrary to the interests of the team, and more importantly, his continuous damage will seriously affect the team's upgrade plan in the second half of the season, especially as McLaren gradually closes the gap, and Woking has introduced fewer upgrades than Red Bull.
It is estimated that this crash will be criticized by Dr. Marco again, if there is severe criticism, it will be lucky for Pérez, because with the criticism, it means that the team will not move him for the time being, but if Marco does not say anything afterwards, it means that he is really dangerous, maybe it is useless to say anything now.
However, there is a part of the paddock that believes that Pérez will at least be able to execute this year's contract and that he will not be replaced in the middle of the season, but if it is a one-plus-one contract next year, his place will not be guaranteed unless he can show his due value before the end of the season.
Some commentators also pointed out that the key is that his current poor form cannot make the team feel any confidence, when and to what extent he can recover, it is estimated that even he does not know, if he continues in this state, it is not equivalent to directly handing over the constructors' championship trophy to others? Perhaps Pérez's outward optimism isn't really the way he feels inside, and it's hard to imagine him being so free and easy after seven games in a row unless Horner reassures him.