Sergio Pérez's Red Bull future looks increasingly in doubt beyond the end of this season after team principal Christian Horner said the driver is "old enough and wise enough to know what the situation is."
Marketing is an interesting one because Red Bull have one financial objective: marketing for their drinks. I’ve heard it said that Perez was very good for Red Bull marketing in Latin America as he’s a popular guy, I don’t see why Tsunoda or Lawson couldn’t fit into the “Xtreme Dude-Bro” marketing role if they needed them to.
“Popular guy” doesn’t quite tell the whole story. I personally don’t get the appeal, but for whatever reason Perez is incomprehensibly popular. I think he’s like the 2nd most famous athlete in Mexico, he sells the most merch out of anyone on the whole grid and has brought a slew of sponsors to Red Bull. This is in addition to any Carlos Slim money.
Exact same sponsors Colapinto has. I’m curious if Red Bull will take him instead, as they loose no income, and get a rookie driver with a similar demographic.
Marketing is an interesting one because Red Bull have one financial objective: marketing for their drinks. I’ve heard it said that Perez was very good for Red Bull marketing in Latin America as he’s a popular guy, I don’t see why Tsunoda or Lawson couldn’t fit into the “Xtreme Dude-Bro” marketing role if they needed them to.
“Popular guy” doesn’t quite tell the whole story. I personally don’t get the appeal, but for whatever reason Perez is incomprehensibly popular. I think he’s like the 2nd most famous athlete in Mexico, he sells the most merch out of anyone on the whole grid and has brought a slew of sponsors to Red Bull. This is in addition to any Carlos Slim money.
It is definitely an appealing financial package.
Exact same sponsors Colapinto has. I’m curious if Red Bull will take him instead, as they loose no income, and get a rookie driver with a similar demographic.
Maybe that’s why Horner has made such a big deal out of saying the choice was Perez’s to leave, trying to minimise the bad press for firing him