Jolyon Palmer argues that replacing Alex Albon with Sergio Perez is a mandatory move if Red Bull intends to challenge for titles.
After nine years of trying, the Mexican driver finally reached the top step of the podium in Bahrain, charging from the back of the grid to a stunning win.
Perez has had a fantastic season, but his recent Grand Prix victory stands out as the absolute peak of his year.
In a column for the BBC, Jolyon Palmer mentioned that he always felt Perez was overlooked. He believes that Sunday's performance finally cemented Perez's status as an elite driver, ending any debate about his value to the sport.
Palmer highlighted how Perez handled the laps immediately following the safety car, describing his overtaking as clinical. He also noted the driver's signature tyre management, which put him in the perfect position to seize control of the race after the final safety car period.
It was a flawless drive from start to finish. According to Jolyon, this level of performance is a trend, not a one-off, especially since the Racing Point updates at the Eifel Grand Prix led to a win and a second-place finish.
Currently, Perez is facing an uncertain future and might be forced off the grid for a season. Red Bull represents his best chance at staying, and given Alex Albon's recent struggles, Palmer and many others believe the team should make the switch to 'Checo'.
Palmer observed that while Red Bull is usually ruthless with underperforming drivers, they have been surprisingly patient with Albon, giving him numerous opportunities to find his form while still considering him for 2021.
Jolyon pointed out that Perez has been in peak form for several races. In a scenario where the top four contenders hit trouble, Perez surged forward to win—even passing Albon, who could only manage sixth place in the more competitive Red Bull car.
The British analyst concludes that for Red Bull to be viewed as a legitimate threat for the championship next year, bringing in Perez is a necessity.