SUMMARY
- Sergio Perez faces pressure to improve in the 2024 F1 season due to his expiring contract and competitive driver market.
- Helmut Marko emphasizes the importance of consistent podium contention for Perez to secure a contract extension with Red Bull.
Sergio Perez enters a crucial phase in his Red Bull tenure. Unlike the laid-back season that went by last year, his expiring contract and a competitive driver market necessitate a significant performance improvement in the 2024 F1 season. Repeating his inconsistent 2023 performance could jeopardize his position within the team. However, Helmut Marko has offered an update.
The Japanese Grand Prix of this year was an important race. Compared to the disastrous 2023 Suzuka race, Perez delivered a strong showing. He pushed teammate Max Verstappen to the limit in qualifying and secured a crucial second-place finish. This level of consistent podium contention is now paramount, especially with Ferrari’s resurgent form challenging the dominance portrayed by Red Bull.
Helmut Marko offers insight into Sergio Perez multi-year contract
Perez remains conscious of Red Bull’s history of often switching drivers indicating that his spot is not assured. Although the streamlined car setup appears to be producing positive effects, podium finishes are now the new benchmark for performance. Sergio Perez and his ability to regularly challenge Verstappen in the marginally less dominating RB20 is the key to obtaining a contract extension.
Helmut Marko on Checo’s performance in qualifying:
“I think Perez has been better than expected, especially after a really bad weekend here last year.”
“He’s also started the races with a different attitude this year, no longer trying to follow his own technical path – the cars… pic.twitter.com/5J8NCZQkMh
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) April 6, 2024
However, retaining his spot on the team of the reigning champions is his top priority at the moment. While speaking of the driver line-up situation, advisor Marko stated, “We don’t allow ourselves to be pressured. Audi apparently wants a decision [for 2026]. We look at everything calmly. When we have enough to overview, we will decide on our drivers.”
He added, “Everything is an option [regarding extending Perez’s contract]. Our team is currently working very well. If he has a secure contract for two years, there is a risk that he will slack off.” The Mexican has been a crucial part of Red Bull’s current success, contributing to their three 1-2 finishes in the first four races.
📰: Helmut Marko cautious on extending Perez’s contract beyond current season despite strong start in 2024. Multi-year deal deemed risky; Vettel return ruled out. Albon’s future uncertain amid speculation. #F1 pic.twitter.com/fq84xMrW8R
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) April 8, 2024
Nonetheless, Red Bull remains cautious. Marko expresses concern that a multi-year contract could lead to complacency. However, Marko intends to keep motivating Perez by offering the prospect of a contract extension contingent upon sustained strong performance.
Perez deemed “unsustainable” for Red Bull
Formula 1 veteran Ralf Schumacher has ignited speculation about a potential driver change at Red Bull for the 2025 season. While acknowledging Sergio Perez’s ability to hold off most competitors, Schumacher suggests that the team and its championship aspirations might be hindered by the significant performance gap between Perez and his teammate.
📰: Ralf Schumacher argues Sergio Perez’s position at Red Bull is “unsustainable” due to the vast performance gap with Max Verstappen. He suggests signing Carlos Sainz or young talents like Liam Lawson as alternatives. However, others, like Viaplays’ Allard Kalff, advocate for… pic.twitter.com/B7iG5nldGU
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) April 11, 2024
The German driver revealed, “If everything goes well, he can stay close to Max Verstappen. In the race, it is as if they are both from a different planet while they are in the same car. It is unsustainable for the team.” He terms this disparity as unexpectable for a team aiming for the top step of the podium. Schumacher also offered a solution, which was Carlos Sainz.
Schumacher underscored the consistent podium finishes the Spaniard has achieved lately, including a dominant victory in Australia, as evidence of his championship potential. This impressive showing, coupled with his upcoming availability, positions Sainz as a compelling alternative for Red Bull.
