🏎️ Perez Faces Uncertainty

In this week’s email:

• Pérez Faces Uncertainty 😕

• Verstappen Wins Qatar GP 🍾

• Doohan to make F1 debut 🇦🇪

• FIA Decisions Spark Debate 💬

Sergio Pérez Faces Uncertainty as Season Nears its End 😕

Sergio Pérez Faces Uncertainty: Despite a challenging season with Red Bull. Where his form has notably faltered. Sergio Pérez’s confidence in his future remains unshaken. Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, the Mexican driver remained adamant about having the team's backing. Emphasizing that Red Bull’s decision to extend his contract through 2025 shows their continued trust in him. However, as the season reaches its final race in Abu Dhabi, Pérez’s future with the team appears increasingly uncertain.

A season to forget: While 2021 saw Pérez help Max Verstappen secure his first title, the 2024 season has been a stark contrast for the 34-year-old driver. Verstappen has dominated, winning nine races and securing a fourth world championship. While Pérez has struggled to even finish in the top five. He hasn’t been on the podium since April and his performance continues to fall short of expectations.

The final push in Abu Dhabi: With only the Abu Dhabi race left, Pérez faces the challenge of improving his performance in what could be his final race with Red Bull. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has made it clear that no final decisions will be made until after the race.

Who will replace Perez?: Red Bull’s search for a potential replacement for Pérez remains a topic of speculation. While there is no standout candidate, the team has historically turned to its junior driver pool for replacements. Drivers such as Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have long been considered viable options, With Tsunoda expressing his desire to prove himself in the Red Bull seat.

What’s next for Perez?: As the 2024 season winds down, Pérez has one final chance to turn his fortunes around in Abu Dhabi. “We just have to put it all together,” he said, reflecting on his recent struggles. His future with Red Bull remains uncertain and the team's respect for his contributions is evident. However, a sensational performance in Abu Dhabi seems like the only way Pérez could secure his seat for another season.

Max Verstappen Wins Qatar GP, Constructors' Championship Race Tightens 🍾

Max Verstappen Secures Victory: Max Verstappen, fresh off clinching his fourth world championship, won the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday. Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri joined him on the podium. Tightening the battle for the Constructors' Championship between McLaren and Ferrari. Heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi, McLaren holds a 21-point lead over Ferrari.

Constructors' Championship Tightens: McLaren entered the Qatar race needing to outscore Ferrari by 15 points to secure its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. However, with Lando Norris receiving a 10-second penalty and finishing 10th, the gap narrowed to 21 points. Ferrari must outscore McLaren by 22 points at the Abu Dhabi GP to win its 17th Constructors’ title.

Race Chaos and Key Moments: The Qatar GP began with chaos as multiple collisions led to early safety cars. Involving Franco Colapinto, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hülkenberg, Alex Albon, and Lance Stroll. Stroll later retired from the race after a penalty. At one point, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was in a strong position. A strategic pit stop and a subsequent safety car changed the race dynamics.

The race shifted again on Lap 34, when both Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz suffered punctures. With a third safety car, the race order remained largely unchanged. However, Norris’ penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags disrupted McLaren’s points haul. While Pierre Gasly secured a crucial fifth-place finish for Alpine.

Top 10 Finishers:

1. Max Verstappen

2. Charles Leclerc

3. Oscar Piastri

4. George Russell

5. Pierre Gasly

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Fernando Alonso

8. Zhou Guanyu

9. Kevin Magnussen

10. Lando Norris

Looking Ahead: The Final Showdown in Abu Dhabi

With the Constructors’ Championship race so close, all eyes are now on the Abu Dhabi GP next weekend. Where McLaren and Ferrari will fight for the title. Verstappen, having secured his fourth world title, will be aiming for a strong finish. While McLaren and Ferrari battle it out for the coveted constructors' crown.

Doohan to make F1 debut in Abu Dhabi  🌟

Doohan’s Debut: The announcement comes after Ocon requested to take part in the post-season test with Haas after the race. This test would help him acclimate to his new team ahead of next season. To facilitate this, Ocon will step down from his seat for the final race of the 2024 season. Allowing Doohan to race.

Jack Doohan’s Journey: The 21-year-old Australian driver has been part of Alpine’s extensive private testing program throughout 2024. He previously finished third in the 2023 Formula Two Championship. Alpine’s team principal, Oliver Oakes, expressed confidence in Doohan’s readiness. Stating that while stepping into an F1 weekend at short notice is challenging. He believes Doohan will be professional and well-prepared.

Ocon’s Final Race with Alpine: This marks the end of Esteban Ocon’s five-season run with Alpine. Which included the team’s historic first F1 win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Ocon will now look ahead to his new chapter with Haas in 2025. Alpine thanked Ocon for his significant contributions to the team and wished him the best for the future

Controversial Penalties and FIA Decisions Spark Debate 💬

Verstappen’s Controversial Penalty: Verstappen’s win came just hours after he was penalized for allegedly driving too slowly during qualifying. Which resulted in a one-place grid drop. Verstappen, frustrated by the penalty and the role George Russell played in it. Caimed he "lost all respect" for the British driver. Despite the setback, Verstappen quickly regained the lead in the race. Showcasing his skill and determination.

Norris’ Penalty and McLaren’s Struggles: In a separate incident, Lando Norris received a severe 10-second stop-and-go penalty. This happened for failing to slow for double waved yellow flags. Which was caused by debris on the track. McLaren accepted the penalty but questioned the severity. As the yellow flags were inconsistently displayed. This penalty significantly disrupted Norris’ race. Dropping him from a strong position to 10th and impacting McLaren’s standings in the Constructors’ Championship.

FIA’s Inconsistency Under Scrutiny: Both penalties have fueled growing concerns about the FIA's consistency and transparency in its decision-making. Drivers and team principals alike have called for clearer rules and more accountability. With Toto Wolff (Mercedes) voicing frustrations about the current state of the sport’s governance.

Leadership Changes at the FIA: Adding to the confusion, the FIA is dealing with leadership changes. Including the sudden departures of key officials. While new race director Rui Marques has been praised for his communication. He faced significant pressure during the Qatar race, with many questioning the consistency of the decisions made under his leadership.

Looking Ahead: With Abu Dhabi next on the calendar, there’s growing uncertainty around the FIA's handling of key decisions. Drivers, teams, and fans alike are calling for better clarity and fairness to preserve the integrity of the sport.