The keys to Checo Pérez's decline in performance.

The 2024 Formula 1 season has brought a series of drastic changes in the performance of Sergio "Checo" Pérez, the Mexican driver who last year was fighting for the world championship runner-up position. While in 2023 the atmosphere at Red Bull was one of optimism and celebrations, this year has been overshadowed by a performance that has left much to be desired, placing him in a distant eighth position in the overall standings. As the season progresses, Pérez faces the challenge of minimizing damage and reversing a trend that has been deeply negative.

At the start of the season, Pérez showed glimpses of his potential with a second place finish in the opening races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, followed by a solid third place in China. However, this optimism faded as the races progressed. The situation became critical in Miami, where he finished fourth, and worsened further in Emilia-Romagna, where he dropped to eighth place. This moment has been marked as the turning point in his campaign, as since then he has been unable to regain a competitive level.

The evolution of the car, the RB2024, has been one of the determining factors in Pérez's drop in performance. Previous years witnessed the team's superiority, dominating with an almost infallible machine, but this season the story has been different. The lack of speed and pace has been evident, and the last victory for the Mexican, celebrated on June 23 in Barcelona, seems to be increasingly distant in the team's rearview mirror. In his recent performances, Pérez has struggled even to reach the podium, with two disappointing sixth places in Monaco and Monza.

A critical aspect that has impacted Red Bull has been the departure of Adrian Newey, the engineer behind many of their successes in Formula 1. His departure in May 2023 left the team without a key figure in the aerodynamic design of the car, just as the competition, especially McLaren, began to show encouraging performance. This loss of talent has been felt in the results and in the confidence of the drivers, including Pérez, who has admitted to a lack of confidence in his car throughout the season.

The pressure increased significantly for Pérez after a disastrous Monaco Grand Prix, where he finished at the back of the grid and then crashed, resulting in an accident that compromised his race. Subsequently, things did not improve in Canada, where he suffered two crashes, further increasing the criticism of his performance. Despite these setbacks, Red Bull decided to extend his contract until 2026, a move seen as an attempt to provide him with support and confidence.

However, the pressure on Pérez has not diminished. With each poor performance, speculation about his future with the team has grown, and there has even been talk of a possible dismissal. Although the team has reaffirmed its support, the lack of results has made his position increasingly precarious. By the end of the season, the need to score points has become crucial not only for the well-being of the team but also for Pérez's career in Formula 1.

Meanwhile, attention is focused on Max Verstappen, who is fighting for the drivers' title. Red Bull has prioritized support for its star, while the battle for the constructors' championship seems lost to the resurgence of McLaren and Ferrari. In this context, Pérez's role has become even more important, not only as a teammate but as a driver who must contribute to the team in a season that has been a challenge.

The current situation of Checo Pérez is a reminder of the volatility that characterizes Formula 1. One year can be the best of your career, while the next can turn into a struggle for survival. With an uncertain future and pressure on his shoulders, Pérez must find a way to adapt and overcome adversity if he wishes to regain the confidence of his team and fans. The final stretch of the season presents a crucial opportunity to demonstrate that he still has what it takes to shine in the king of motorsport.