Red Bull is currently enveloped in suspense and skepticism. With a dip in their results, the Austrian-based must do something about it. Precisely speaking, the advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko is more worried than others. And why shouldn’t he? After all, his valuable input has helped the team advance in the sport. However, the clouds of doubt over Sergio Perez’s future aren’t clear. Every day some new rumors keep adding to the speculations. Meanwhile, Perez has denied the rumors of his being replaced.

These contradictory statements from two separate members of a single team are causing chaos. However, one thing is clear – Red Bull is in a state of unrest. And when will this unrest overturn? It is hard to guess. Meanwhile, Dr. Marko continues to pressure Checo. The advisor has a ‘bonus’ offer for the team. But there is a clause; Sergio Perez must score points for the team and prove himself, or else there won’t be a bonus, let alone a seat for the 34-year-old.

In the battle for the constructor’s crown, Red Bull needs two strong pilots. But in the case of Perez, the situation keeps going downhill. “The bonus payments to all employees depend on this. Therefore, it is logical that you feel additional pressure from this side,” Dr. Marko revealed to Kronen Zeitung. After Budapest and Spa, Red Bull will evaluate Checo. The Mexican driver faces a tough challenge to earn points. There is a tentative list of potential drivers who could replace Perez, among them Liam Lawson looks like the pick.

Moreover, according to Helmut Marko, the “max-factor” has kept Red Bull going. He believes that the comprehensive upgrade package will work its magic at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix. At the same, Marko cannot keep away his concerns regarding other teams catching up with Red Bull. Especially McLaren, with their young drivers has been doing exceptional tasks lately.

Helmut Marko lists his Top 4 teams at this stage in the season

Dr. Marko blatantly agrees with the fact that Red Bull’s performance has gone down. However, they remain a strong force on the track. But, the other top teams are racing incredibly. Thus, Helmut has his list of top 4. After Silverstone, Christian Horner‘s team analyzed everything to the smallest of details. The results weren’t great but that led to the introduction of comprehensive upgrades.

Meanwhile, McLaren is leading the 81-year-old’s list. “The fastest package, but they didn’t make it over the finish line because of driving and strategy errors,” says Dr. Marko. He ponders that Mercedes showed more than just a flicker in the last two races, and Ferrari is getting stronger again. People joked after Monaco that they jumped into the harbor after their victory but never resurfaced. “So we have four teams on equal terms,” concluded the advisor.

Does Red Bull lie fourth on the list? It seems like it does. His analysis isn’t incorrect at all. Over the last few races, the Austrian team has indeed seeped down to a much lower position in terms of speed. Balancing the car has been a major problem. And their lap times have turned into disasters. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen continues to run the show for the team and Perez struggles. Will there be a massive change in the squad post-summer break? As for now, only time can tell.