Red Bull We are trying to close the growing gap with McLaren Constructors’ Championship while also fending off a resurgent Ferrari.

To achieve this, both drivers need to be at the top of their game. Max Verstappen A significant lead in the driver standings that shows exactly where the problem lies.

Qualifying was always going to be a tough one in Mexico and the tour was one of the shortest on the calendar.

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The track was improving rapidly throughout the first session, meaning each driver’s final run would be important.

While he was preparing to be at the front of the grid with his teammate Carlos Sainz, Perez crashed in the first quarter for the fifth time this season, putting him in a deadlock once again.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner spoke to Karun Chandhok. Sky Sports F1 He was unhappy with the Mexican driver after the session.

He explained what was particularly worrying about the 35-year-old’s performance compared to his team-mate.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was worried about Sergio Perez after qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix

Perez had a very tough first qualifying session, posting three fast laps in the first quarter that didn’t look fast enough to help him make an outstanding start.

By contrast, Piastri could have easily made it into the second quarter had he not run left and straddled the curb at Turn 12, costing him a second.

When asked about Perez’s difficulties in qualifying, Horner said: “So we need to look into that, but the difference between the two cars is significant.

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“So it’s obviously a big disappointment for him in front of his own fans, but I’m sure he’ll do his best tomorrow.

“But there’s a lot of work to do.”

Martin Brundle warns Red Bull over Sergio Perez’s contract issue

Red Bull knows exactly where every driver in its squad stands and Perez will be aware of how precarious his position in F1 is.

Clauses in Perez’s contract mean Red Bull could let him go at the end of the year if they want.

Both RB drivers – Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson – are currently auditioning for his seat as they could easily be promoted to the Mexico seat next season.

But Tsunoda didn’t do himself any favors by crashing in the second quarter after quickly going through each practice session.

Martin Brundle warns Red Bull of possible contract issue with Perez This can make it even harder to let go.

It could be an expensive decision for Red Bull if they think he needs to replace Perez.

However, the money it could cost the team if they fail to win the Constructors’ Championship, or even finish second, may be all the justification Red Bull needs to part ways with Perez at the end of the year.

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