Peter Windsor has doubts about a longer stay for Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing. The F1 analyst already voiced his concerns after the race and now lists a number of notable successors for the Mexican. Will one of them really become Max Verstappen 's teammate in 2024?

As an analyst, Windsor has long defended Perez as a second driver at Red Bull Racing. Windsor strongly supports a clear structure with a first and a second driver. That way you have peace within the team, following the example of Michael Schumacher at Ferrari. After the Brazil GP, however, Windsor thinks it is time to replace Perez, given the Mexican did not get past Fernando Alonso.

Red Bull Racing's quest

The Australian does not think Alonso is a suitable candidate for Red Bull Racing. Fast enough, of course, but also a man who can cause turmoil. Thus Windsor writes off a few more options: ' 'You don't want George Russell there. You don't want Oscar Piastri there either. Those shake things up, so who do you want in that second seat?'' he wonders aloud in a livestream on his YouTube channel.

''I think Carlos Sainz would be a good number two alongside Max in the Red Bull. I would like to see Mick Schumacher myself, but he has been out for a long time and it will be hard to be as fast as Sergio Perez. Liam Lawson maybe, but I don't think Red Bull wants to go in that direction.''

''Nico Hulkenberg would probably also do very well in that other (Red Bull) car. So would Daniel Ricciardo. He should never have left the team in the first place. He was a perfect match for Max. I wouldn't even say 'number 2', but complementary to Max. He was perfect, but couldn't cope.''

Bottas as Verstappen's teammate?

That, according to Windsor, is the biggest problem in the search for a replacement for Perez. The driver must have experience, speed and the right mindset. Ricciardo went down it, the question is whether he could do it now and still be as fast? Windsor lastly suggests an interesting option.

''Valtteri Bottas is someone who would do very well in that seat. He is quieter than Perez. Not faster than Lewis (Hamilton), Charles (Leclerc) or Max (Verstappen), but faster than Perez. I would place a bid with him,'' the former Williams team manager concludes.