In Red Bull the alarm seems to have returned after the difficulties encountered in Australia. The test of strength a Suzuka it has in fact restored serenity to the team, which with three doubles in four Grands Prix can say that it can count on both drivers for the constructors' title. There Ferrari despite having come much closer compared to last season, it still struggles to fit in between the two RB20s. Although Sergio Perez continues to suffer in comparison with his teammate, Red Bull can say they are satisfied with this first part of the season of the Mexican. His task is in fact to get behind Max. A task he has always completed. Compared to last season in which Perez suffered the confrontation with his teammate in the fight for the Drivers' Championship, for this year the Mexican's objective seems to be only one: to have the trust of the team - even in the case of a hypothetical farewell to Verstappen, and get the renewal. Perez has a contract that expires at the end of 2024. At the moment the options on the table for Helmut Marko are different, and for Perez there would be only one contract option.
The drivers' market has already begun to shuffle the cards of the various teams, with the first major decision of the move to Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton and the consequent separation between Carlos Sainz and the Maranello team. The Spaniard's name, especially after the excellent start in the championship, is one of the most coveted for 2025, and there would be several teams interested. In particular we are talking about Aston Martin and Audi. However, Sainz's name has also been linked to Red Bull, which is always attentive to what is happening around it.
Helmut Marko wants to keep Perez in check and prevent him from 'relaxing'
Helmut Marko is keeping an eye on the situation at Audi, but ensures that he does not feel under pressure. Sainz's name is a very important lifesaver considering that, if Perez were to suddenly return to disappointing the team on the bench there would be no other attractive options. There had been a lot of talk about Ricciardo replacing Perez already in 2024, but the Australian, with a starting seat in Racing Bulls, even risks being benched shortly.
"We won't let ourselves be pressured – said Helmut Marko to OE24. Audi [which will enter Sheetthe 1 in 2026] apparently wants a decision. We are reviewing everything in our own time. When we have a sufficient overview, we will decide on our pilots.”
At the moment the most probable option is to reconfirm Perez, also given the good results but not with a two-year contract and Marko himself explains the reasons: “Renewing Perez is also an option, everything is. Our team is working very well at the moment. But if Perez has a secure contract for two years, there is a risk that he will then relax“. Perez would therefore find himself in the same situation in which he played in 2021, when he was offered a one-year deal, which then became a two-year deal at the end of the season. Regarding his future, Perez says he is calm, and expects communication soon, within a month at most.
Perez says he is calm
“I think it will be a question of time – Perez said to Sky's microphones. Obviously the driver market is moving and the next few weeks will certainly be very busy, so I expect within a month to really know what I'll be doing next year.” We just have to wait a few more weeks to find out what Perez's future will be, and whether he will be reconfirmed only for 2025 or also for 2026.
