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Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is experiencing a dip in form as he has no podium finishes since his second-place finish at the Miami Grand Prix. Although he is still second in the Driver’s Standings, Daniel Riccardo is in line to replace Perez if this form continues. However, according to former Formula One world champion Jenson Button, Perez's seat at Red Bull is not under immediate threat despite his recent struggle.
Button, who will be racing in NASCAR's first street race in Chicago next week, said that Perez's seat is safe for this year but he could face pressure from other drivers if he does not improve soon.
"I don't think he is (in danger) for this year but at the end of the year who knows," Button said during a media call. "Who do you put in there? Obviously, they have Daniel Ricciardo there as an ambassador but I don't know if they are willing to put him in that seat," he continued.
Button added that he felt sorry for Perez, who has been unable to challenge Verstappen, who has won six races this season and leads the championship by 69 points over Lewis Hamilton. Button said, "I've got to feel for Checo, three races on the bounce he's been below par. There's no catching Max now he's gone and the championship is definitely his."
Button also speculated that Red Bull could look at their sister team AlphaTauri for potential replacements for Perez, such as Nick de Vries or Yuki Tsunoda. "Do they take someone from AlphaTauri? If so, who would it be - De Vries or would you put (Yuki) Tsunoda in the A-Team," Button quoted.
The 43-year-old is scheduled to drive in three NASCAR Cup races this season, including Chicago, and two weeks ago was part of the driver lineup for NASCAR’s Garage 56 entry at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
