Amidst internal turmoil and Perez’s struggles, Red Bull faces the risk of losing Verstappen to Mercedes F1.
Sergio Perez is “mentally defeated,” according to Dr. Helmut Marko, who does not deny rising speculations that Red Bull might decide to oust the Mexican driver during the summer break.
Rumors also persist that Max Verstappen could make a surprise switch to Mercedes next year, but the Red Bull F1 consultant insists that this is not the team’s most pressing issue at the moment.
“Yes, yes, yes. It’s all speculation,” he stated when asked if Mercedes’ resurgent form this season might persuade Verstappen to activate an exit clause and leave.
“Mercedes has made progress. But that doesn’t mean they have the fastest car to date. Silverstone with its cool temperatures was good for Mercedes. They usually struggle with the heat.”
“But what’s normal this season? We experience highs and lows that sometimes drive us mad.”
“Our goal is to win the world championship and to ensure Perez returns to normal form. We will evaluate his situation after the next two races during the summer break and see what happens then.”
Indeed, as Mercedes, along with McLaren and Ferrari, significantly closes the gap in 2024, Perez’s faltering form could indeed end up costing Red Bull the constructors’ world championship.
“With all the bad luck he’s had, Perez is mentally defeated,” Marko admits.
When asked if Red Bull might actually terminate Perez’s new contract if he were 100 points behind Verstappen at the summer break, Marko did not deny it and responded, “Nearly all top drivers have performance clauses in their contracts.”
“Nothing is certain in Formula 1.”
Following Lewis Hamilton’s return to the top step of the podium at Silverstone after nearly three years, Marko praised the seven-time world champion, noting it was clear the 39-year-old had not lost his speed or spirit.
Does he think, then, that Hamilton’s switch to the suddenly struggling Ferrari team for 2025 and beyond is a clear mistake?
“I can’t say,” Marko responded. “Ferrari has lost a key man with chassis boss (Enrico) Cardile. Let’s see what happens with Adrian Newey.”
“He has received top offers, including from England, and he can decide where to go.”
It is also true that Verstappen has received an offer from Toto Wolff to switch to Mercedes as early as the 2025 season.
“Max wants to win, of course, and that’s understandable,” said Marko, acknowledging that Mercedes F1’s form could “be an argument and ultimately persuade Max.”
“But races like the ones we are seeing now are certainly not bad for the sportive image of Formula 1.”
Regarding whether Red Bull can bounce back this weekend in Hungary after two consecutive defeats to Mercedes, Marko concluded: “It won’t be so easy.”
“We did not have the fastest car at Silverstone, as we have a problem—or several. But as long as we increase our lead at each race, all will be well. Ferrari is no longer playing at the top. And we must be able to win again on our own, that’s the goal. There are still 12 race weekends left, and we can’t rely on always having others behind us and now in front of us, and benefit from that.”
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Red Bull in Crisis: Perez Down Verstappen Wavering Red Bull in Crisis: Perez Down Verstappen Wavering
