Sergio Perez is facing the task of persuading Red Bull to offer him a contract extension beyond the 2024 F1 campaign. Helmut Marko, the Red Bull Motorsport Consultant, believes that Perez’s impressive performance in qualifying, where he secured a spot on the front row, could be attributed to the pressure he is under to prove himself with his current contract expiring at the end of the season.
Marko recalled Perez’s worst weekend of the previous season, where everything went wrong for the Mexican driver, leading to his retirement from the race. However, Marko believes that Perez’s second-place finish in qualifying this weekend should be satisfying for him.
Marko acknowledged Perez’s potential to compete at the front of the grid but also mentioned that the uncertainty surrounding his future at Milton Keynes may have motivated him to improve his performances earlier in the season.
Red Bull has been the dominant team in Formula 1 since the ground-effect era began, making it an attractive option for any driver looking to contend for race wins. Previously, there were rumors of over a dozen drivers interested in replacing Sergio Perez.
Marko noted that driver decisions are not typically discussed in Formula 1 during April. However, the situation at Red Bull, including Perez’s recent results, has garnered significant attention. Despite this, Marko stated that no decision has been made regarding Perez’s seat at Milton Keynes at this time.
Sergio Perez is determined to prove his value to Red Bull this year in hopes of securing a contract extension for the next season. He will be aiming to challenge his teammate for the race win in Sunday’s event, potentially setting up an exciting battle between the two Red Bull drivers at the Japanese Grand Prix.