Perez set for Race Engineer switch as he returns from summer break ‘refreshed and ready’

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 08: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives into the

Red Bull have confirmed that there will be a change on Sergio Perez’s side of the garage for the foreseeable future, with long-time Race Engineer Hugh Bird going on paternity leave.

Bird has been Perez’s Race Engineer since the Mexican’s first season with Red Bull in 2021 but that responsibility will move to Performance Engineer Richard Wood from this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.

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In Red Bull’s official pre-event preview, Perez commented that “everyone will notice a change on the radio” when the action gets under way at Zandvoort.

“Hugh my Race Engineer is expecting a baby very soon so will be spending some time at home and I wish him and his family the best of luck with their new arrival!” Perez said. “Woody, my Performance Engineer, will step up in the meantime.”

Perez added that he is returning from the summer break feeling “refreshed and ready to go” after a challenging run of Grands Prix – featuring Q1 and Q2 exits and minor points finishes – led to plenty of speculation over his Red Bull future.

SUZUKA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 23: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with race

Perez and Bird have worked together for the last three-and-a-half seasons at Red Bull

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner recently described Perez’s form as “unsustainable”, with the squad looking to fend off the likes of McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes in the constructors’ championship.

However, fresh from Red Bull stating that they are standing by the six-time Grand Prix winner, a determined Perez commented: “I am looking forward to getting back in the car this weekend.

READ MORE: The Paris Olympics, sunshine and cuddles with dogs – How F1 drivers have spent the summer break

“The summer break was very important for everyone in the team and the whole sport, with so many races now everyone needs the rest and reset time more than ever.

“I spent my time in Mexico with family and I feel refreshed and ready to go for the second half of the season. I know all my team feel the same, I have been in Milton Keynes this week with them.

“I know what we can extract from the car in the coming weeks and we will do our best to maximise the second half of 2024.”

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