RBR have a history of failing drivers, Perez is only the latest. Just look a how Albon has developed as a driver since he was kicked out and replaced by Perez.

They have a real problem on their hands next year as the performance gap between the top teams closes. If things stay as they are right now, all of their top three rivals (Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren) have a really solid driver line-up.

I think FOM have got themselves in a difficult position because they wanted a night race for the spectacle (so much more important than the racing). But doing it on the western side of America makes it tricky time-wise for their biggest audience. The ultra-late racing is probably a compromise that’ll please no one.

Exactly! Perez is probably done as a RBR driver, but shit like this is hardly going to help matters.

That’s very much the old school macho mindset that was prevalent in F1 when Brundle was driving.

I don’t think many of the current drivers buy into that.

I can’t imagine anything more likely to encourage a driver than being publicly bad-mouthed by Marko.

I mean, it’s never failed to work before has it?

Norris would be a significant upgrade but he’s not currently available and I can’t see McLaren letting him go without a fight.