The past few weeks have yielded mixed results for the Red Bull team. While Max Verstappen has been leading the RBR pack, he is not getting any support from his teammate. The Dutchman is on the top of the driver’s points table with a commanding lead. The triple world champion is en route to his fourth consecutive trophy.
However, the Red Bull might miss out on the Constructors’ Cup. Sergio Perez, the second RBR driver, is grappling with performance issues. Thus, the fans were eagerly waiting for RBR to announce a replacement. Surprisingly, the team chose to retain Checo, and senior advisor Helmut Marko has explained the reasoning behind this decision.
Helmut Marko Calls On Red Bull To Support Sergio Perez While Delivering Daniel Ricciardo Verdict
Sergio Perez has been struggling to score points, making RBR’s world title run one-legged. The Mexican racer has yet to finish in the top seven since the Miami GP. Further, with both McLaren racers scoring consistently, there is no room for error. Therefore, the last week’s RB meeting was deemed crucial for future developments. Contradictory to the anticipation, Checo was retained for the remainder of the 2024 season. The senior advisor, Helmut Marko, accepted that the team was lagging behind. Moreover, he believes the team could make things stable for Perez by turning things around. During an interaction with ESPN, the Austrian executive backed Perez, claiming it’s not easy to be Verstappen’s teammate. Subsequently, he explained the key points of the meetings, as it was a regular discussion beyond the drivers’ choice. However, Marko feels that if Red Bull could improve the car according to Perez’s needs, he would perform significantly better.
He further emphasized the team’s discussion to make the RB20 more comfortable for Checo. The 81-year-old motorsport executive gave a striking contrast between the Red Bull pair. He highlighted the sheer talent of Max Verstappen, making it a hornets’ nest to be his partner. Moreover, according to a source from ESPN, the Red Bull technical crew might consider re-installing the initial specs in Checo’s car. The first configuration of the season helped him finish consistently on the podium.
Thereupon, Marko opened up about Daniel Ricciardo and his chances of getting a Red Bull seat. According to the senior advisor, the team might not consider Ricciardo to partner up with Verstappen. The reason behind the decision is related to performance. Marko indicated that he might have had a better chance he might have had a better chance if Ricciardo had been consistently faster than Yuki Tsunoda. Marko concluded by confirming Ricciardo doesn’t fulfill the criteria to be a Red Bull racer. Therefore, teh Australian racer might need to find a new home as a pack of rookies is waiting to take over the VCARB seat.
Liam Lawson Or Isack Hadjar: Who Will Win The VCARB Seat In The Battle Of Rookies?
The Milton Keynes-based outfit has an abundance of talent. Marko and Horner have praised the New Zealander Liam Lawson. On the other hand, Isack Hadjar is unstoppable in the F2, inching close to the title.
Helmut Marko recently confirmed that the decision about Lawson’s future will be made in September. Thus, if he replaces Riciardo for the next season, Hadjar might have to continue in the F2. On the contrary, if Laswon is released as a free agent, the chances of Hadjar getting the VCARB seat are significantly higher. However, until an official announces, it will continue to be a game of musical chairs.
