Helmut Marko’s 4 Word Declaration Clears Red Bull From Sergio Perez’s Horror Performances

“I really want to finish my career here, whenever that is. It’s a team that has given me so much that I’m just really happy. I give my best to this team, until my last lap,” said Sergio Perez, vocalizing his ecstasy after signing a two-year extension with possibly the fastest team on the grid. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been the quickest, second, or even third regarding Saturday performances and most Sundays. And Red Bull’s taskmaster has not absolved him of the said sluggish crimes.

The Canadian GP is the third consecutive time Checo has not made it to Q3. Perez hasn’t been having the time of his life, despite the security of the contract extension. And though he tried to shrug off the blame for the poor performance, Helmut Marko clapped back.

Perez took to Twitter to declare that it was “A qualy where simply we couldn’t find any rear grip. We found the issue and will give it all tomorrow,”  but Helmut Marko denied these claims indirectly. “It’s not the car that can be seen with Max (Verstappen).  He added, “I think it’s something more psychological,” said the team’s advisor based in Milton Keynes in statements to ServusTV, suggesting that it could be a trust problem of the Mexican. But Perez has been very firm in his stance as well.

“Total Disaster” Sergio Perez gives a verdict on forgettable qualifying session

Sergio Perez who finished a distant second in the drivers’ championship is currently fifth in the same championship. His current form isn’t helping him either.  Speaking to Sky F1 after his elimination, Perez said his struggles revolved around the rear of his Red Bull RB20, admitting that qualifying proved to be a “total disaster” for him.

Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – November 25, 2023 Red Bull’s Sergio Perez before practice REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

Asked what the main problem was, Perez replied, “Yeah, the main thing was really to switch on the rear. The rear axle for me was quite tricky. And ended up paying the price with it because basically, I just had no grip, I was sliding too much around it and that meant that basically our qualifying was a total disaster.”

Do you think Red Bull did the right thing to re-sign Sergio Perez?