Marko's warning to Perez: 'If performance isn't good, contract is useless'
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Sergio Perez's future is once again in the limelight after the United States Grand Prix, and Red Bull's chief advisor Helmut Marko has sent the Mexican another warning. If 'Checo's' performance isn't good, he will not remain in the Red Bull seat. In the recent Autumn break, rumours were circling that Perez would announce his retirement at the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix weekend. The home hero will be hoping to impress not only the fans, but also his own team.
Marko: 'Formula 1 is a meritocracy'
Perez has a contract in his pocket for the 2025 Formula One season, but that offers no guarantees. The Mexican has had a tough 2024 season and has struggled with his RB20. After 19 rounds, Perez has scored 150 points compared to his teammate's 354 points. It could be argued that due to Perez, Red Bull is 40 points behind McLaren in the constructor's championship. "Perez may have a contract, but Formula 1 is a meritocracy. If performance is not good, even contracts are useless. At the end of the season, we will sit down together and decide who is the best teammate for Verstappen at Red Bull," Marko clarified in a conversation with F1 Insider.
Who may replace Sergio Perez?
Red Bull now needs to keep a close eye on its affiliated youngsters, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. The Visa Cash App RB drivers are considered a possible future teammate of Verstappen. Tsunoda feels he deserves the seat and continues to do everything in his power to stand out. Lawson also impressed in his first F1 race this season. Daniel Ricciardo's replacement impressively finished in 9th place after starting from 19th.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was, therefore, heavily impressed by Lawson. Red Bull are known to make quick and 'efficient' decisions regarding their drivers. Most recently, Daniel Ricciardo was let go due to Red Bull's junior VCARB team after some mediocre performances. In the past, Pierre Gasly and Danil Kvyat have also been removed from the Red Bull team and were demoted. Could that be Sergio Perez's future? Or will he leave F1 for good?
This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder
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