Helmut Marko Speaks Out on Sergio Perez’s Future at Red Bull After Abu Dhabi GP

Red Bull Racing’s advisor, Helmut Marko, has sparked significant speculation regarding Sergio Perez’s future with the team following another disappointing performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Mexican driver was forced to retire early in the race after a collision on the opening lap, marking another frustrating weekend for Perez, who has faced increasing scrutiny throughout the 2024 season.

The Abu Dhabi GP at Yas Marina Circuit proved to be a challenging race for Perez, as he struggled with performance issues and was hit on the opening lap by another car, ultimately forcing him to retire from the race.

This retirement follows a series of subpar performances, including incidents earlier in the season that have raised concerns about Perez’s ability to compete at the level expected by Red Bull.

Marko, who has been a vocal figure within Red Bull’s management, addressed the ongoing situation with Perez in a recent interview. He acknowledged the team’s frustration with Perez’s form, but also hinted that the driver’s future with the team is still uncertain. According to Marko, “We need to see if Sergio can turn his performances around in the final races of the season.

He has been inconsistent, and it’s clear that we need more from him, especially with the pressure mounting as we head into 2025.”

The ongoing struggles have put Perez’s seat at risk, with several reports suggesting that Red Bull may look for an alternative if his performance does not improve. Marko, however, also noted that Perez has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, including podium finishes and a race win in Azerbaijan.

Despite these moments of success, the gap in consistency compared to teammate Max Verstappen has been a critical factor in Red Bull’s assessment of Perez’s future.

Perez joined Red Bull in 2021, and his partnership with Verstappen has helped the team secure multiple Constructors’ Championships.

However, Verstappen’s dominance has put the spotlight on Perez, who has often found himself overshadowed by the Dutch driver’s superior results.

As the 2024 season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Perez to see if he can rebound from his disappointing performances. With the team’s future plans likely being shaped in the coming months, Perez must deliver strong results to secure his place at Red Bull for another season.

Marko’s comments suggest that Red Bull is keeping a close eye on the situation, and any further slip-ups could prompt a decision regarding Perez’s future.