When we look back at Red Bull‘s iconic driver pairings, there’s always been a clear winner amongst the two. Whether it was Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, or Verstappen and Ricciardo, Red Bull’s teammate rivalries have always excited fans. But Checo Perez’s current form isn’t really allowing fans to get what they want anymore.

Verstappen is in a league of his own and has already sealed his third consecutive title. While Sergio Perez is struggling to match even half of his teammate’s points haul. This is why it wouldn’t come as a surprise to fans that Red Bull chief advisor, Helmut Marko is losing his patience with the Mexican.

Will Checo Perez leave Red Bull with honour?

Checo reflected on his current situation, this Thursday in Austin, as quoted by Formula Passion, “I’m at a difficult time in my career. The easiest thing to do now would be to run away. But I’m absolutely not like that and I love the challenge. I have no doubt that I will return to the level of before. I don’t even remotely think about retirement.” It’s no surprise that the Mexican feels the easiest thing would be to pack his bags and leave, but that’s where Perez’s perseverance shines through. He has had a long and tumultuous career in Formula 1, spending most of his time with Force India, which later became Racing Point.

It was actually Perez who helped bring in Lawrence Stroll to save the team. So it’s quite clear that he’s no stranger to adversity. The Mexican is confident that he will bounce back. He added, “I am 100% sure I will be driving for Red Bull next year. Both because I have a valid contract, and because I can understand it from discussions with the team leaders.”

With both luck and time working against him, the ‘Mexican Minister of Defence’ doesn’t really have much of a defence against Marko’s disapproval. Rumors were spreading that Checo was even considering retirement this year, which he has since put to rest.

READ MORE: No Ultimatum to Checo Perez’: Helmut Marko’s Revelation Puts a Dampener on Daniel Ricciardo’s Dream

But it remains to be seen if Perez can find his lost form and see his contract with Red Bull which is till 2024, to the very end.

Ricciardo’s return could not come at a worse time for Perez

The clock is ticking for Checo Perez because while he is struggling, his competitors are shining. The recent performances by Liam Lawson in an AlphaTauri have put pressure on Perez’s seat. Which is what might make an already favourable decision easier for Marko. The fact that Lawson has proven he deserves a spot in Red Bull’s junior team.

Although Lawson isn’t really a serious contender for the top seat at Red Bull, the Honey Badger certainly is. Daniel Ricciardo’s close ties with both Verstappen and the team put Perez in a tough spot. Adding to his misery, the Aussie is also heavily marketable and has always been a hot property in F1.

Christian Horner’s unwavering trust in Perez seems to be his saving grace. But it will not last forever. While he does have a valid contract with Red Bull for 2024, it is only a matter of time before Helmut Marko decides he’s had enough of the Mexican’s shenanigans.

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With all the factors piling up against Checo Perez, he will have to really put in the drive of his lifetime at the remaining races in 2023.