Sergio Perez is facing increasing scrutiny as speculation about the possible termination of his Red Bull contract for 2025 intensifies.
At a critical moment when he needed to demonstrate a turnaround, Perez lost control during a wet Q1 session at Silverstone.
"He spins off like an amateur," observed former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos on Ziggo Sport.
Amidst new rumors that Daniel Ricciardo might soon take his place, it has been disclosed that Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson will test Perez's car during a 'filming day' next week at the same circuit.
"Lawson is in that car next week on this same circuit," Doornbos continued. "You have to feel Checo's pain at the moment."
Regarding Perez's mishap in qualifying, Red Bull F1 consultant Dr. Helmut Marko remarked, "You can use the excuse that he was the first on the slick tyres. The car is unpredictable.
But it certainly doesn't help him get out of the crisis."
Doornbos believes Red Bull felt compelled to renew Perez's contract to please Max Verstappen and his father Jos, while former F1 driver Christijan Albers described the decision as "absolutely insane."
"You don't sign someone at the worst moment of their career for a reason like that," Albers commented. "I think he's out of excuses.
"Everyone falls off the track now and then - even Max. But the laptimes have to be there. And they are not."
DAZN commentator Antonio Lobato noted he has heard that Silverstone was part of an "ultimatum" for Perez to improve.
"He's scored 10 points in the last five races or something," he noted. "They can see the constructors' championship slipping away and need to take a decision, especially if the trend doesn't change."
"Perez is under tremendous pressure now. Ricciardo could have a chance if Checo does not deliver in the next three grands prix," Lobato added.
Marko acknowledged Perez's current performance shortfall at Red Bull Racing.
"All the bonuses that are paid to the employees depend on the placing in the constructors' championship," he told the DPA news agency. "Checo is under pressure. You can see that in all his gestures at the moment."
"Since he got the new contract, there have been a few not-so-good races," Marko continued. "Of course it's designed for performance and no one is exempt from that."
When asked about rumors of replacing Perez, Ricciardo maintained that he never makes "predictions" regarding his future at Red Bull and Formula 1.
Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde believes Ricciardo would not have made the same error under those conditions.
"Ricciardo almost did the same thing, he knows it's slippery, and drove straight on," he explained on Viaplay. "I mean, it's your out-lap on slicks on a damp track - it simply shouldn't happen to an experienced driver."
