Dr. Helmut Marko opens up about the fierce competition surrounding Sergio Perez’s Red Bull seat for 2025, with multiple drivers eyeing the spot.
Speaking to Kleine Zeitung newspaper, Marko emphasizes Perez’s need for consistent performance. He states, “Checo has to deliver consistent performance,” while acknowledging the challenge of matching Max Verstappen’s level.
Marko praises Perez as an “absolute team player” but acknowledges the tough nature of the role alongside Verstappen. He describes the seat as an “ejector seat,” highlighting the pressure involved.
Marko discloses that Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda are closely monitoring Perez’s situation for a potential promotion to Red Bull Racing. He explains, “For both of them, it’s not just about staying in Formula 1, but also about the possibility of promotion.”
Regarding Alex Albon, Marko denies his candidacy, stating, “Albon is not an issue for us – he has a contract until 2025.”
On the topic of Carlos Sainz Jr., Marko suggests Red Bull can afford to wait, stating, “Sainz probably wants to make a decision earlier than we do.”
Marko praises Red Bull’s position for 2024, citing the impressive performance of their car during pre-season testing in Bahrain. He describes the car as a “revolution” and expresses confidence in their goal of securing a fourth world title.
Acknowledging Ferrari’s resurgence, Marko anticipates a challenging season ahead but remains optimistic about Red Bull’s chances. He says, “I don’t expect that this year we will have the same dominance we had last year,” while highlighting the potential for Max Verstappen to achieve greatness.
