Even if it was a secret, which it never was, the future of Sergio Perez at Red Bull is in extreme doubt. The Mexican was monumental to the success of his teammate and his team during his first two years. However, ever since the tiff toward the end of 2022, Perez has become a changed man and as it is turning out, he’s changed for the worse. Sure Perez is fighting in the season, but it’s not for wins, and it’s definitely not for the championship. The Mexican is fighting for his seat for 2024 despite a valid contract. Dr. Helmut Marko’s admission made it apparent and the fans are expecting the worse.
There is no one else to blame for the uncertainty surrounding his future, than the Mexican himself. His streak of Q1 exits before the summer break put him under immense pressure. However, despite perhaps the worst run of form in his entire career, especially in a car like RB19, he dodged the bullet, and it ricocheted and hit Nyck de Vries. In fact, the Red Bull bosses secured Perez’s position on the team for 2023 and 2024. However, especially after Helmut Marko’s admission seen on X, there is a big question mark on his immediate future.
A report by Motorsport-Total and highlighted by @FormulaRacers_ reveals Marko is extremely dissatisfied with Perez’s performance in Qatar. The favorable track saw Verstappen not only wrap up his driver’s championship but add to his tally of race wins in the season. The “shocking” performance from Perez has earned him an early deadline by the Red Bull advisor.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
🚨 | Helmut Marko says Sergio Perez's performance in Qatar was "shocking."
He stresses that Checo must improve before the end of 2023:https://t.co/LkTmpLTnQP
— formularacers (@formularacers_) October 9, 2023
Marko said, “Checo has had a shocking race. He had a terrible weekend.” In fact, in the last three races, Perez has managed only 5 points in total. If it wasn’t for Lewis Hamilton‘s opening lap crash, the fight for P2 in the championship would’ve come down to the wire. This is exactly why Marko issued an ultimatum to Perez and said, “Checo has to deliver now.”
This statement from Marko has gotten the fans already predicting the worst for the Mexican.
Fans prepare to bid adieu to Sergio Perez after Helmut Marko’s ultimatum
The concerning statement really puts the emphasis on the last five races for Perez. If the Mexican cannot defend his runner-up spot in the coming five races, the fans predict the worst for Perez and we can’t help but agree.
In fact, some fans are already predicting Perez will not be a Red Bull driver for 2024.
They aren’t even trying to hide it anymore 😂
Perez is gone 😬👋🏼
— Patrick Ricu (@patrickricu) October 9, 2023
The Slim family millions are not enough to keep Perez afloat…
He's out. It will just be announced closer to the end of the season
— Manuel Calavera (@ManuelSanchezX) October 10, 2023
Some fans are looking at the situation with the increasing threat of other teams on the grid, which we’re sure, so is the Red Bull hierarchy.
Please just let him go. Next year, McLaren will be very close to Red Bull. Max will need a strong number two
— Michael van der Galien (@MichaelvdGalien) October 10, 2023
I think his seat for 2024 depends on him keeping 2nd in the championship honestly
— Killzoid (@KillzoidCOD) October 9, 2023
WATCH THIS STORY: Sergio Perez Caught in the Crossfire as Sebastian Vettel Dismisses All Attempts to Downplay Verstappen’s Dominance
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Christian said the Same….I don’t see Checo driving for Red Bull next year…
— Amanda (@Amanda_kisses) October 9, 2023
If he looses P2 against Alonso or Hamilton he’s gone
— A Casual Boi (@PeruanoCorrien1) October 9, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It’s not looking good for Perez. Will he be able to keep a hold of the P2 in the standings and subsequently his seat till the end of the season? This definitely gives us some excitement as the 2023 season end approaches.