Why should they let Perez go? Montoya thinks Red Bull should keep him

Rumour has it that it is very likely that Sergio Perez will be driving his last Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing this Sunday. Maybe even the last of his career, as it is well known that Helmut Marko and Christian Horner are evaluating the Mexican's performance after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Juan Pablo Montoya spoke to Vision4Sport and told them what his thoughts were on the whole ordeal.

The former F1 driver has not failed to notice that Red Bull Racing will finish third in the constructors' championship despite Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen winning the Drivers' championship. Montoya thinks Red Bull doesn't care at all. That they have a long-term vision. "Funnily enough, by them finishing third, they're going to get more wind tunnel time and everything for the 2026 car," says Montoya.

The Colombian asked aloud, "So, is it that bad having Checo there? They have the world champion, and they have more wind tunnel time! What they're losing by not winning the constructors, they're probably making up with Checo’s merchandise, Red Bull sales, and the money he's bringing. So where is the downside? And you have a team dedicated to one driver."

Montoya also wonders who else could sit next to Verstappen. In his opinion, a driver whose ambition is to become a champion himself is not smart. "Red Bull wouldn’t bring in a Carlos Sainz type because the sparks are going to fly, and I'm not sure they'll want that", Montoya concluded.

This article was translated by Savannah Lenz.