Helmut Marko speaks out on Sergio Perez's position at Red Bull

Max Verstappen's teammate started the season convincingly and even openly dreamed of the world title. But in Australia, dents were already appearing in the six-time race winner's title dream. After crashes during qualifying in Australia and Monaco and a dramatic 11th place during qualifying in Spain, the Mexican could not make up enough places in the races to stay close to his Dutch teammate. In Miami, Perez was downgraded by Verstappen, who, from P14, beat his teammate who started from the pole. After seven races, the gap is now 53 points.

Perez will not leave Red Bull

Red Bull might consider appointing a driver who can make things a little more difficult for Verstappen and increase the chances of achieving a 1-2 finish every week. But Marko contradicts all the rumours. "It's all nonsense. His seat has never been in danger and won't be." He sees an important role for Perez in the team: "He is an important link to achieve our goals. Becoming first and second in the drivers' championship and winning the constructors as soon as possible."

However, the 80-year-old Marko does have an important message for Perez. "He needs to focus on himself and not beat himself up trying to beat Max. He has to be there when something happens to Verstappen. His strong race after the disappointing qualifying in Spain was a good start." Sergio Perez has a contract with the Austrian racing stable until next year.