Perez's poor form brings turmoil for Red Bull staff according to Marko

World Championship lead dwindles

If Red Bull wins the Constructors' World Championship as they did last year, all staff will receive a hefty bonus. The staff then benefits from good performances by Verstappen and Perez, but the latter scored only 15 points in the last six races. McLaren, in particular, are getting closer and closer to the world championship, and so the team has been warned.

The Mexican must fear for his place after this poor run. In Hungary and Belgium, the veteran must improve, otherwise Red Bull could reportedly activate a clause in his contract that could see him shown the door. Speaking to Kleine Zeitung ahead of the weekend at the Hungaroring, Marko stressed once again that it is in everyone's interest for Perez to pick up more points.

"It also brings turmoil for the staff. Employee bonuses are based on their position in the constructors' championship, which is the most important thing for them," Marko told the Austrian newspaper, giving another reason why it is not out of the question that the current World Championship number six could be replaced by another driver.

Who could replace Perez?

The big question then, however, is who will get behind the wheel of the second RB20. Almost certainly, it will be someone from within their own ranks. "I assume that [in that case] we will mainly use our existing drivers. We have three juniors who are ready for Formula 1, with Liam Lawson at the top of the list. Behind him are also Ayumu Iwasa and Isack Hadjar."

Whether Lawson will also become Verstappen's new teammate in the event of Perez's departure remains to be seen. The New Zealander only drove a few races in the top class of motorsport last year. If points need to be scored immediately, a choice of Daniel Ricciardo or Yuki Tsunoda (both racing for Visa Cash App RB) would make more sense. The latter openly admitted to this website that he would find it strange if Lawson is allowed to show it directly at Red Bull.