Marko starts speculation about Perez's future again: 'Let's wait and see'
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- Ludo van Denderen
When Sergio Perez signed a new, multi-year contract at Red Bull Racing earlier this year, he thought he was rid of all speculation about his future for quite some time. But his disappointing performance in the final races before the summer break meant Red Bull considered sidelining the Mexican after all. It did not come to that, but Helmut Marko reveals that it does not guarantee Perez stays with the Austrians next season.
Marko, Red Bull Racing's external advisor, has meanwhile hinted to the Austrian press that Liam Lawson will get a place in 2025 regardless. In doing so, the Austrian did not mention Visa Cash App RB as the New Zealanders' logical destination but said Red Bull Racing was also an option. That sounds strange, of course, knowing that with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, the team already has two drivers with ongoing contracts.
Marko demands consistency from Perez
Verstappen's position is undisputed, so then it is obvious that Perez's position is not so certain after all. Speaking to Kleine Zeitung, Marko stated that the team is satisfied if Perez shows "his normal speed". "But he always has these fluctuations somewhere; whether in qualifying or in a certain part of the race. The consistency is not there, that's the problem."
Marko says Red Bull expects a lot from Perez at the Grands Prix of Italy and Azerbaijan, circuits where the Mexican normally does well. And should he disappoint there too? "Let's see how he does there first," Marko said.
This article has been written in collaboration with Matt Gretton
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