Marko tells Perez: 'Can easily talk about a further extension'

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26 February at 11:00
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

There is much speculation about Sergio Perez's future at Red Bull Racing. If he does not live up to the team's expectations, he could leave the team. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is taming these speculations.

The Mexican struggled at times in 2023, especially during qualifying. In the end, he did finish second in the drivers' championship. As a result, it can be said that Perez performed better than previous teammates of Verstappen.

Perez is still on course for an extension to his contract

That Perez is no match for Max Verstappen is a fact. In a YouTube video by Formula1.de, Helmut Marko explains that this does not immediately mean Perez should leave. "He still has a contract for 2024. That is up to him. If he performs in the same form as how he finished the last few races, then we can easily talk about a further extension," said Red Bull's 80-year-old advisor.

When will decisions be made on Perez's future?

Marko indicates that a decision on the second seat at the Austrian racing team will not be made until after the summer break. Should Perez not perform to expectations anyway, Daniel Ricciardo is one of the possible replacements, according to him. "Ricciardo needs to show that he can clearly compete with Tsunoda. Then he might be a candidate." There are also rumours that Alexander Albon has had an offer from his former team.