Sergio Perez has had his seat at Red Bull in danger for quite a while. What started with Daniel Ricciardo’s return continued with Lando Norris‘ probability of joining Red Bull. Perez won two races at the beginning of the season however, he went on to perform poorly throughout the season.
His performances declined after the crashes in qualifications. While Max Verstappen was winning victories at every other race track, Perez was threading behind Aston Martin and Mercedes.
This left the Mexican in a tight spot with the team. However, it seems Helmut Marko is through and through with it. Marko seems to have plans on getting a new “eligible” candidate on board. When talking on a program on ServusTV and quoted by GPBlog, Marko said,
Helmut Marko on Lando Norris:
“He is definitely a candidate for us.”
“In terms of youth and speed, he would suit us very well. Sergio, on the other hand, is already over 30 and is expecting his fourth child. So he also has other interests, so you have to see what happens next.”… pic.twitter.com/jikIOTESh8
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 5, 2023
“He is a candidate for us. At Toro Rosso, we had already reached an agreement with him at the time, until his manager realized there was an option for a McLaren contract. In terms of youth and speed, he would suit us very well. Sergio, on the other hand, is already over 30 and is expecting his fourth child. So he also has other interests, so you have to see what happens next,”
However, with Norris enjoying his place at McLaren, it is hard to tell if he will ever switch to Red Bull. Nonetheless, Sergio Perez has talked about plans to stay in the sport. With Christian Horner also agreeing to Perez’s stay, the Mexican driver has been confident about his seat.
Will Lando Norris replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull?
Lando Norris performed the best this season after upgrades to the car. The driver was also able to keep the pressure on Lewis Hamilton and keep him behind throughout the race. The British Grand Prix and Hungarian Grand Prix, marked Norris’ best results this season, winning a P2 both the times.
There was also a point when he could pressure Max Verstappen and surpass him during the race. However, he caught Helmut Marko’s eye when he kept Sergio Perez in the back.
The Brit has shown exceptional drive throughout the season. Not just that, he has kept another Red Bull in the back. However, it is tough to say that Lando would want to replace Sergio Perez. Perez opened up about how tough it is to be a teammate to Verstappen. Although the Dutchman is humble, the pressure from the team can be tough to bear. After a while, the second Red Bull driver also has to get used to being in Verstappen’s glory.
Helmet seems to not like Sergio. Max wouldn’t have won the 2021 WDC without him, so that alone should endear him a little. I know it’s all business for Helmet, I just wish there was tiny bit more respect for Sergio and what he’s brought the last 3 seasons
— Seth Pascale (@sethpascale) September 5, 2023
On the contrary, Lando Norris already enjoys being the star driver at McLaren. But once he makes a move to Red Bull, there is no guarantee he can win a championship. At the same time, he would have to get used to being the second to Max Verstappen. Although it is a “good opportunity” for Lando Norris, it is so in all the different ways. So far, Norris has gotten used to being the priority of the team. At the same time has wishes to bring McLaren to the top.