Sergio Perez Gets Red Bull Seat Lifeline As FIA Disqualifies Hamilton, Leclerc

• Sergio Perez headed into the US Grand Prix with a reported ultimatum about his future
• The Red Bull driver risked losing second place in the drivers' championship
• Perez has been handed a lifeline following a technical decision by the FIA

The anticipation surrounding Sergio Perez's future took centre stage in the lead-up to the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.

The Mexican driver had witnessed a drastic decline in his performances following his second-place finish at the Miami Grand Prix.

Speculation loomed that Perez might lose his seat with the Austrian team, and his confidence had been further rattled by reports from Planet F1, indicating that the 33-year-old had been presented with an ultimatum to secure his position with Red Bull for the 2024 season.

Reportedly, Perez was tasked with securing second place in the drivers' standings, just behind his teammate Max Verstappen, or risk parting ways with the Milton-Keynes-based team.

Mason Greenwood scores first goal since 2022 in Celta Vigo vs Getafe La Liga showdown: Video

Football

Heading into the US Grand Prix, Perez maintained a 27-point lead over his closest rival for second place, Lewis Hamilton. However, the weekend in Austin saw the pressure intensify as Hamilton narrowed the gap to 19 points.

Nonetheless, a ray of hope emerged for the beleaguered driver from an unexpected source—the FIA.

FIA hands Perez lifeline

After the conclusion of the race in Austin, FIA technical inspectors, observing the cars, identified irregularities in the cars of Hamilton and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during a plank wear inspection.

As a result, both drivers were promptly referred to the stewards. Hamilton had delivered an impressive second-place finish, relentlessly challenging the victorious Max Verstappen until the end.

Notably, Mercedes introduced their final major upgrade package of the year in Austin, including a new floor.

Representatives from both teams engaged with the stewards, but it was revealed that both teams had violated Article 3.5.9 e of the sports regulations, as their cars failed to comply with the regulations throughout the race. This breach led to the disqualification of both drivers, as reported by Sky Sports F1.

The 5 Greatest EPL Comebacks After Man United's Fightback Victory Against Brentford

Football

The consequences of this disqualification had a notable impact on the standings. Lando Norris moved up to second place, while Carlos Sainz secured a spot on the podium.

Perez was subsequently promoted to fourth, fortifying his lead over Hamilton in the battle for second place in the drivers' championship.

George Russell climbed to fifth, Pierre Gasly to sixth, and Lance Stroll to seventh. Yuki Tsunoda finished eighth, and he also claimed the bonus point for the fastest lap, making it a fruitful day for AlphaTauri.

Moreover, this turn of events meant that both Williams drivers earned valuable points, with Alex Albon inheriting ninth place and Logan Sargeant securing his first F1 point in tenth place on home soil.

With the unexpected twist in his favour, Perez headed into his home Grand Prix with considerably less pressure and scrutiny than he had faced in recent races. Following the FIA's decision, his lead over the Mercedes driver expanded to a comfortable 39 points.

Luis Suarez Scores Superb Free Kick for Gremio in Derby Clash in Brazil

Football

Perez opens up on mental struggle

In a previous report, Sports Brief stated that Red Bull's Sergio Perez opened up on his mental struggle through the 2023 Formula 1 season.

The Mexican driver has struggled for form and opted to seek the help of a therapist to regain his early season form.

Perez's poor run of form has put his immediate future at the Milton-Keynes team in doubt.