Sergio Perez Contract 'Useless' as Helmut Marko Confirms 'End of Season' Red Bull Decision
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Helmut Marko confirms Red Bull will decide on Sergio Perez’s F1 2025 future at the end of the season, despite his two-year contract. The decision comes amid mounting pressure on Perez to improve his performance.
Helmut Marko, the long-time Red Bull advisor, has confirmed that the team will make a decision regarding Sergio Perez’s future as Max Verstappen’s teammate at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season. This statement has come amidst growing uncertainty surrounding Perez’s position at Red Bull, as the Mexican driver struggles to meet performance expectations.
Red Bull to Make Final Decision on Perez’s Future
Sergio Perez's place at Red Bull has come under increasing scrutiny due to a prolonged slump in form. The 34-year-old has not finished on the podium since the Chinese Grand Prix in April, and his deficit to teammate Max Verstappen has grown to a staggering 204 points. Despite signing a two-year contract with Red Bull in June, the Mexican’s future is uncertain as Red Bull weighs its options for the 2025 season.
Marko has been clear that the two-year deal Perez signed will not prevent the team from making a change if necessary. He emphasized that Formula 1 is a "meritocracy" and that even contracts are "useless" if a driver’s performance does not meet the team’s expectations. Red Bull will make a final decision on Perez’s future after the conclusion of the 2024 season.
"Perez may have a contract, but Formula 1 is a meritocracy. If the performance is not right, even contracts are useless. At the end of the season, we will sit down together and decide who is the best team-mate for Verstappen at Red Bull," Helmut Marko said in an interview with F1-Insider.
Performance Pressure Mounts on Perez
After a series of disappointing performances, Perez has been under mounting pressure to improve. Reports earlier this season indicated that Perez was close to losing his seat following the Belgian Grand Prix, as his performance was deemed below the required standard. Red Bull’s decision to retain him for the final 10 races of the 2024 season raised questions about his long-term future with the team.
Perez recently dismissed rumors suggesting that he and Red Bull had a pre-arranged plan for his retirement ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, emphasizing that he would not walk away from the team voluntarily. However, with his performance still under scrutiny, Perez will need to show significant improvement if he wants to retain his seat for 2025.
Liam Lawson Impresses Amid Perez's Struggles
Amidst Perez's ongoing struggles, young New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has been making waves in his brief appearances for Red Bull. Lawson, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo for the final six races of F1 2024, impressed at the United States Grand Prix by recovering from a 60-place grid penalty to finish in 9th position. His performance has raised speculation that he could be a viable replacement for Perez at Red Bull in 2025.
"Liam Lawson is definitely a man for the future," Marko said, praising the 22-year-old's performance in Austin. "He has shown he has the potential to be a strong driver for Red Bull in the years to come."
Red Bull's Championship Struggles
As the 2024 season progresses, Perez's lack of contributions alongside Verstappen could cost Red Bull the Constructors' Championship. The team is currently trailing McLaren by 40 points, with just five races remaining in the season. Furthermore, Ferrari has closed in on Red Bull's second-place position in the standings, now only eight points behind after their impressive one-two finish at the United States Grand Prix.
Red Bull faces a critical few races to ensure they retain their position in the Constructors' Championship, and the team will be looking for Perez to deliver the kind of performances necessary to keep them in the fight for the title. If Perez continues to underperform, Red Bull may be forced to make a tough decision regarding their driver lineup for the 2025 season.
The Road Ahead: F1 2025 and Beyond
As Red Bull looks ahead to the 2025 season, the team is under significant pressure to ensure that their driver lineup is in the best possible position to continue competing at the highest level. With Max Verstappen firmly established as the team’s lead driver, Red Bull will need a strong and reliable second driver to challenge for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Whether that driver will be Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, or someone else remains to be seen, but the decision will be made at the end of the 2024 season.
Red Bull's decision regarding Perez could have significant implications for the team’s long-term strategy, and with only a few races left in the 2024 season, the pressure is on both Perez and the team to make the right call for F1 2025.
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