Is Verstappen on his own again in Spain? Marko counts on Perez

F1 News

Marko again criticises Perez after disappointing Friday ahead of GP Spain
22 June at 06:59
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  • Cas van de Kleut

Sergio Perez was not at the speed expected of the Red Bull during the second free practice session. The Mexican drove the 13th fastest time at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Speaking to Motorsport magazine, Red Bull chief advisor Helmut Marko tells us that he is still counting on Perez this weekend.

To say Perez is in a difficult period is an understatement. The seven-time race winner has had to make do with disappointing results in recent race weekends. Despite that, Perez did extend his contract, keeping him attached to the team for at least another two years.

Marko said ahead of the weekend that he had hoped Perez's pace would pick up a bit after his contract extension. Subsequently, the top adviser stated that this had not happened. He further hoped Perez would improve on the 'normal circuits', such as Barcelona.

Marko hopes for Perez to improve

Max Verstappen often gets the most out of the car, where Perez often enough fails to do so. With a fifth place in FP1 and a 13th place in FP2, Marko sees room for improvement: "During the first free practice he was three tenths behind. That is acceptable. Now [after FP2] it's unfortunately a bit more. When the field is so close together, you can't be too far behind. That would make the race difficult."