While confirming Sergio Pérez at the wheel of the second Red Bull to Abu Dhabi, Helmut Marko also revealed that the energy drink had given up on the constructors' title.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko clarified from Brazil the situation of Sergio Pérez within the team.
Despite persistent rumors about an early departure, especially after the Brazilian Grand Prix, Marko assured that Pérez will keep his seat until the end of the 2024 F1 season. However, doubts still hover over his future going forward, despite a contract in his pocket for the 2025 F1 championship.
Pérez defends his place despite uncertainties
However, during an interview in the Sao Paulo paddock, Sergio Pérez stated with confidence that he would still be in F1 next year: “You'll see me in Vegas, you'll see me next year and then it's not for me to worry about.” A statement that shows his desire to remain competitive, although his future seems to depend on his future results.
Marko nevertheless clarified that Pérez's situation was being evaluated: “We are looking at everything now, but decisions will only be made after the Abu Dhabi test.” So even though Pérez will finish the 2024 season, there is no guarantee that he will actually start the 2025 F1 season with Red Bull.
Red Bull relinquishes constructors' title
Pérez's results this season have not lived up to Red Bull's expectations, and this could influence his future with the Austrian team. Marko did not fail to highlight the performance gap between the Mexican driver and his teammate, Max Verstappen.
“The fall in the constructors' championship to third place, the 200 point gap with Verstappen, all that says a lot” he confided. Red Bull currently finds itself in difficulty against Ferrari, which has, according to Marko, “the fastest car and two strong drivers”.
“The constructors' title is completely unrealistic now. This title is lost, we will no longer catch McLaren or Ferrari. Let's focus on the drivers' title with Max”
he added.
A financial cost for Red Bull
Pérez's performance also has a financial impact for the team, particularly in terms of bonuses for Red Bull employees.
“The difference between first and third place represents 17 million euros. This is a significant impact, especially for employees, because their bonus depends on the ranking in the manufacturers' championship” explains Marko.
Technical problems or lack of performance?
To justify himself, Pérez recently pointed out differences between his car and that of Verstappen, citing braking difficulties at the end of the straight. Red Bull therefore carried out an in-depth analysis, but found no notable technical anomaly.
“We checked everything, because he mentioned problems with brakes and chassis” Marko says. As a compromise, however, Red Bull decided to give Pérez a new chassis for the next races, including this Brazilian Grand Prix, in order to test the situation and try to appease the Mexican driver.
Pérez's future on hold
Despite Marko's assurances for the end of this season, Sergio Pérez's future at Red Bull remains uncertain. The Mexican's performances at the end of the 2024 season will probably be decisive for his retention within the team in 2025.
As for Red Bull, it continues to explore all possible options, seeking the best solution to optimize its results and protect its financial interests in a context of strong competition in F1. This is how the name of Liam Lawson comes up insistently. To be continued…
