Despite Perez having another year on his Red Bull contract, Marko's comments have raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the Mexican driver's future.
Marko's Criticism of Perez
Marko has been known to publicly criticize Perez, even making xenophobic remarks at one point, for which he later apologized. His recent comments suggest that he believes Perez's future lies elsewhere, drawing parallels between Perez's situation and that of Pierre Gasly during his Red Bull tenure. Marko stated that a "change of climate and team" is what Perez needs to thrive.
Marko Suggests a New Team for Perez
In a Q&A session with Austrian outlet oe24, Marko initially promised not to badmouth Perez ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. However, he broke that commitment by suggesting that Perez should find a new team. He said, "Perez needs a change of climate and team. Now we'll see how the next two races go. But the team and he are aware that he is in a crisis."
Perez's Performance and Red Bull's Concerns
While Max Verstappen's performance has allowed Red Bull to secure both titles, the team is concerned about the Drivers' standings, with Perez just 30 points ahead of P3 Lewis Hamilton. When asked about this concern, Marko admitted that the fear was "very concrete."
Marko further added, "Checo just has to do the best he can without looking at Verstappen. We are trying to help him do that. You see, there is no criticism from the team, only help. Maybe it will work."
The Pressure on Perez
Perez's recent celebration as a national hero in Austin and Mexico has added to the pressure. The introduction of a sprint race in the USA, which Perez reportedly struggles with, has further complicated matters. Marko expressed his hope that Perez will perform well in Austin, which would set him up for success in Mexico.
In conclusion, while Perez's future at Red Bull remains uncertain, it is clear that the team's senior advisor believes a change is necessary for the driver to reach his full potential. As the Formula 1 season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be keenly watching how this situation unfolds.
