F1 News: Helmut Marko Backtracks On Sergio Perez Contract Leaving Question Marks For 2024
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has backtracked on his previous comments about Sergio Perez's future with the team, claiming that his performance will be discussed after the Dutch Grand Prix.
Previously, both Marko and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner have remained adamant that Perez's contract with the team is secure. The Mexican driver is currently in contract until the end of 2024 and, just recently, Horner has confirmed that he will drive with the team next year and if his performance continues he will also be considered for beyond 2024.
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However, Marko has now explained that "nothing is 100%" and that his performance will be monitored. During an interview with Kleine Zeitung, Marko commented:
"Nothing is 100 per cent certain in Formula 1, there simply is no such thing.
"There are always performance-related situations somewhere that need to be talked about. We'll take a look at it and discuss how to proceed in Zandvoort, then we'll know more."
Rumours began to crop up about Perez's contract in the first half of the 2023 when he struggled to keep up with his teammate and two-time champion Max Verstappen in the dominant RB19. Verstappen is currently leading the championship with 314 points, a 125-point lead on Perez who is in second position.
Daniel Ricciardo's return to AlphaTauri only fuelled these rumours further with many under the impression that the Australian driver was brought back to firstly help move the Italian team from tenth position in the constructors' standings but also to be ready to step up to Red Bull in 2024 if need be.
Of course nothing has been confirmed yet, but if Perez cannot put in a good performance this weekend in Zandvoort the rumour mill is likely going to be working over time.
