Marko hints at a possible split with Perez after Spa, acknowledging significant issues within the team.
Next weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix could be Sergio Perez’s last behind the wheel of a Red Bull.
Amid mounting pressure, the Mexican driver crashed his upgraded RB20 during Q1 in Hungary.
“This has to stop. I am sorry,” commented former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. “It really should be put an end to his suffering. Red Bull has so many drivers. How much longer can they continue to put up with this?”
It’s a significant blow for the 34-year-old driver, who already knew that the back-to-back races in Hungary and Belgium—just before the summer break and the activation of performance clauses in his contract—would be crucial.
“He had a very good Friday,” said team advisor Dr. Helmut Marko. “Unfortunately, he then had his accident in qualifying. We stick to what we decided earlier. We will assess him here and at next week’s race in Belgium. Then we will discuss together what will happen in the future.”
Team principal Christian Horner, who has defended Perez in recent times, now seems to lean towards a mid-season driver change.
“I think I have been very patient, but this was really the last thing he and the team needed. Checo was far too fast for the conditions.”
“As a driver, he has better information than us about the intensity of the rain. He can see the droplets on his visor. We will debrief within the team and not through the press, but it is quite clear that we cannot race on one leg.”
“That was the last thing he or the team needed. We’ll see. We’re going to pick up the pieces, rebuild the car, and see what happens.”
Perez was recently re-signed for 2025 and 2026, not only due to his harmonious relationship with Max Verstappen but also because of the support from generous Mexican sponsors.
“In the end, it’s all about performance,” insists Marko. “That’s true in all sports, especially in Formula 1.”
“I do not want to go into the details of contracts or anything. There will be a meeting after Spa and we will discuss the entire issue, as it is a problem.”
“It’s a problem because our staff only receives a bonus thanks to our position in the constructors’ championship, so it’s a very important motivational factor. Checo has not scored many points in recent races, and the situation is becoming very worrying for our first place.”
“Fortunately, Max is strong enough to be able to fight against two McLarens, but in terms of strategy, it would be helpful to have a second car at the front.”
If Red Bull does part with Perez for the second half of the season, the leading contender is clear: Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson.
“Lawson has not just done a test but many other things. He’s definitely a candidate, if a candidate is needed.”
It’s also possible that Perez’s departure could open opportunities for Daniel Ricciardo or Yuki Tsunoda in the leading team, with Lawson stepping up to RB F1.
When asked if RB F1’s driver lineup would remain the same after the summer break, team CEO Peter Bayer responded, “Nothing is set in stone.”
“We will meet with Dr. Helmut Marko after Spa and discuss everything then.”
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Perez’s Future in Doubt as Red Bull Mulls Split Perez’s Future in Doubt as Red Bull Mulls Split
