A major change is in store for Sergio Perez in the Netherlands: Richard Wood will step in to replace the Mexican driver’s long-time race engineer, Hugh Bird
Sergio Perez is navigating through a challenging season in the championship, with pressure mounting each weekend to deliver noteworthy performances. This pressure is further intensified by McLaren, who are closing in on Red Bull and threatening their hold on the Constructors’ Championship. As a result, Red Bull’s top management is closely monitoring the performance of car number 11. Despite his recent contract renewal, Perez will need to prove his worth behind the wheel of next year’s RB20 by securing vital points that can widen the gap with the team led by Andrea Stella.
This critical phase of the season will see a significant shift for Sergio Perez during the upcoming weekend at Zandvoort, starting this Friday. Richard Wood, formerly a performance engineer at Red Bull, will take over the role of race engineer from Hugh Bird, who has requested paternity leave and will be away from the pit wall for at least the next four Grands Prix.
Perez expressed his joy for Bird’s growing family, saying: “Hugh, my race engineer, is expecting a baby very soon, so he’ll be spending some time at home. I wish him and his family the best of luck with the new arrival! Woody, my performance engineer, will take his place in the meantime.”
Once Bird returns from paternity leave, he will assist Perez in tackling the final six races of the Formula 1 season, including tracks where the Mexican has not traditionally excelled, such as the United States and Abu Dhabi circuits. Conversely, Perez will need to face weekends at tracks where he has claimed half of his career victories without his usual radio support.
Perez on the Future: “Ready to Tackle the Second Half of the Season”
The three-week summer break has been crucial for recharging and preparing to give everything in the remaining races. Perez emphasized the importance of this time off, stating: “The summer break was really important for everyone in the team and for the sport as a whole. With so many races, more than ever, everyone needs time to rest and recharge. I spent my time in Mexico with my family, and I feel renewed and ready to tackle the second half of the season.”
“I know my entire team feels the same way. I was at Milton Keynes this week with them. I know what we can achieve with the car in the coming weeks, and we will do our best to maximize the second half of 2024” – the determined and confident Mexican concluded, knowing that even the smallest mistake could have significant consequences in the championship.
Photo: X.com, Sergio Perez
