05 June 2024 , 08:45
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Jacques Villeneuve is baffled by Red Bull's decision to hand Sergio Perez a new contract.
The Mexican received a new two-year extension in a deal announced on Tuesday. It will keep him racing alongside Max Verstappen until the end of the 2026 season and caught many by surprise who had been expecting only a one-season contract to be given to the 34-year-old.
Villeneuve counts himself among those who would question the logic behind the decision made by Red Bull. The 1997 Formula 1 champion has not been impressed with Perez's form and clearly believes the standings leaders should have gone in a different direction.
"He has had his worst season ever at Red Bull," the Canadian former racer told Best Online Poker Sites, referring to Perez. "Normally he would have an amazing first few races, but he hasn't even had that this year.
"So, he's collapsed on top of that! He was already behind Max at the start of the season and now he's dropped another half a second. That is 10 cars on the grid. I don't know what is going on."
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Villeneuve also offered his opinion on the other big driver market news announced this week. And he was far less shocked to learn that Esteban Ocon will leave Alpine at the end of the season, announced just eight days after the Frenchman clashed with team-mate Pierre Gasly at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The 53-year-old said: "It's not surprising to see Esteban Ocon and Alpine part ways. There was no way Alpine could keep two French drivers with Ocon and Pierre Gasly. What's the point? What's in it for them?
Villeneuve also gave his verdict on Esteban Ocon's Alpine exit (PA)"It's a French team with two French drivers. So what market are they trying to hit? France only. It doesn't make sense. There was always going to be one of them leaving. That was obvious. With that kind of move by Ocon at Monaco, he is not the driver you keep. He made the decision easy for the team."
And Villeneuve has no doubt in his mind over who he thinks should replace Ocon. He added: "It has to be Jack Doohan, who is their reserve driver. They have been spending millions preparing him, making him drive in the old car for three years now.
"The logic would be to put him in there. The market is very volatile now. Everyone is waiting to find out what happens to [Carlos] Sainz, what will happen at Williams, Mercedes and of course Haas. There is a lot of movement waiting."