Sergio Perez has been battling extreme pressure at Red Bull this season. The meteoric rise of teammate Max Verstappen has worked adversely for Checo as he is facing trouble keeping up with him. After a series of failed weekends, Perez’s P2 spot in driver championship standing is threatened as Lewis Hamilton closes in with his Mercedes.
Red Bull Racing is a highly competitive racing outfit. Naturally, when a driver like Sergio Perez witnesses a dip in competitiveness, criticism is bound to happen. The chorus of Checo’s exit has gained momentum since the summer break. Moreover, the team’s senior official’s recent comments clearly reflect the camp’s resentment regarding the Mexican driver’s future.
Helmut Marko Drops Fresh Hints On Sergio Perez’s Probable Exit From Red Bull!
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are miles apart in terms of performance despite being given the same car, RB19. While Max has already secured the world championship to his name, Perez is still battling to maintain P2. Owing to his massive dip in performance, the Mexican driver has been ridiculed by his own team on many occasions. Christian Horner and Helmut Marko did not mince their words while criticizing Checo’s lack of competitiveness. However, Marko, Red Bull’s senior most official, took it a notch higher with his candid nature. He promised to keep his tongue in check after facing backlash for racist comments. But after all, it’s in the nature of Marko to not think twice before saying anything about any matter whatsoever.
During an interview with Austrian outlet oe24, Helmut Marko said that Sergio Perez needs a change in the team. He needs to go elsewhere to regain his lost self. Marko rejected the rumors of having any enmity towards Checo and countered it, saying he was the one who brought the Mexican driver to the team in the first place. However, it’s his ill fate that he was partnered with a lethal force like Max Verstappen. Marko also cited the example of Pierre Gasly, who met the same fate as Checo. Having said that, the senior official urged Perez to focus on his own self and forget about the existence of Verstappen. Moreover, Checo’s will face his home crowd in the next couple of races, which will only add to the pressure. Thus, Marko wants Sergio Perez to stay upbeat.
Marko Warns Checo Of Increased Competition From AlphaTauri!
This isn’t the first time Helmut Marko has dropped subtle words of caution to Sergio Perez. He previously warned Checo to stay wary of raging competition from sister team AlphaTauri. Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo, and even Liam Lawson have placed their bid for the prized second seat at Red Bull. However, Marko feels the time is not up for Perez just yet.
He added that Red Bull intends to respect Sergio Perez’s contract, which extends till the end of the 2024 season. However, his future lies in his own hands. He either performs in the rest of the races or sees his way out. There is nothing in between. Having said that, Helmut Marko is assured that Checo will regain his old strength, and he, out of all people, is ready to back him.
