Sergio Perez, beloved by the Mexican fans, couldn’t get past the first stage of Q1 in the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix.
This is a nightmare scenario for the Mexican driver, who was expected to shine at home and restore his image. Despite a huge crowd cheering him on, Checo couldn’t make it into the top 15 needed to continue in qualifying. He’ll start from 18th position, wiping out any real chance of reaching the podium for the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix.
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This was a qualifying session not to be missed
For his fans and local media, seeing Perez eliminated in Q1 was a heartbreaking blow. The Mexican press, always strong supporters of Checo, didn’t hold back. For them, this was a real disaster. The newspaper Esto called Perez’s performance “disappointing,” and the website Record went with the term “tragedy!” These reactions capture the shock felt by his supporters, who expected their hero to at least reach Q3, as did Helmut Marko. With this 18th position on the grid, Perez will have to give everything in the race if he hopes to aim for a top 10 finish and points on a track where overtaking is fairly tough.
Horner tries to ease the pressure
After this disappointment, Red Bull’s Sporting Director Christian Horner kept a measured tone. Known for his pragmatism, Horner defended his driver while acknowledging Perez’s struggle to feel comfortable with his car this weekend. Horner reiterated that Perez holds his seat through 2025, downplaying any rumors of pressure on him or the competition from young talents like Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. This claim still sparks confusion among paddock observers—and honestly, myself too. In contrast, Verstappen took a front-row spot, further highlighting the odd lack of performance from Perez in the same F1 car. However, Horner remains confident in Perez’s ability to give his all during the race, even though there’s clearly more work to be done to perform at the expected level.
No chance to score points at the Mexico GP
For Perez, this Mexican Grand Prix isn’t just a home race; it’s a battle for his reputation and to meet the hopes of fans completely behind him. Even though Red Bull management keeps saying his 2025 seat is guaranteed, I don’t think that’s the case. This year, team tensions have risen, with Lawson and Tsunoda more than determined to take his place, and plenty of F2 drivers, including Isaac Hadjar, ready to step up to F1 with RB Visa Cash App. Perez just isn’t bringing in results, and Red Bull Racing risks losing the Constructors’ Championship because of it. Horner and Marko have every reason to play the youth card alongside Verstappen, who is rock-solid. For Checo, the Mexican Grand Prix was meant to be a chance to show he’s still got it. Starting from 18th, that’s looking like mission impossible.
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This article explores the shocking Q1 elimination of Sergio Perez at his home GP, the reactions from local media, Christian Horner’s steady response, and the stakes for Perez as he fights to redeem his performance
Images: Red Bull Content Pool
