Despite the worst-case-scenario on race-day Mexico, Sergio Perez has received a definitive public vote of confidence from Red Bull’s Dr. Helmut Marko, assuring that the Mexican driver will maintain his seat for the 2024 season.
Perez, the hero of a deliriously passionate home crowd of supporters, moved from P5 on the grid to almost P1 at the first corner before colliding with Charles Leclerc and crashing back to the tarmac to soon retire. Marko, addressing the swirling speculations regarding Perez’s recent dip in performance in light of the latest setback, stated, “Until then, Checo had done everything right this weekend,” adding that they do not place the blame on him. “He just had to go for it at the start,” said the 80-year-old, although admitting that losing 19 more points to Lewis Hamilton in the battle to be not only first but also second overall in 2023 was “annoying”.
Marko’s public position is a significant sign for Perez, particularly as Daniel Ricciardo, considered a main contender to take his place at Red Bull, had managed to out-qualify him in the Alpha Tauri. Marko lauded Ricciardo’s performance throughout the weekend, calling it “incredible” and a “good recommendation for the future.”
Nonetheless, any potential plans for Ricciardo to replace Perez may have to be put on hold until at least 2025. Marko highlighted Perez’s current contract for the next season and praised his recovery from the recent performance slump. He remarked, “He was strong all weekend and losing two tenths to Max (Verstappen) in qualifying is a great achievement.”
Perez himself emphasised the progress he’s made, stating, “We already made progress in Austin and we made progress here too,” and he admits to being aware of Ricciardo’s intentions regarding his seat. “I don’t think it’s just Daniel who wants my seat,” he mentioned, adding “And if it’s what they deserve, then I’m happy for them.”
For his part, Marko concluded the weekend in Perez’s native country with reassurances about his position in the team for the upcoming season. “He has his contract for 2024 and it will happen,” he declared, maintaining his belief in Perez’s capabilities. “Everything for next year is clear. It was a great performance until the first lap here and I am convinced that he would have been on the podium.”
