Marko Highlights Perez Over Sainz, Suggests Only One Area Left To Improve

Friday, 29 March 2024 at 09:00

Helmut Marko backed Perez for the seat at Red Bull amid recent speculations that former Red Bull academy driver Carlos Sainz could return to the team.

Sainz has participated in two of the three races this season so far, and in both, he outperformed his teammate Charles Leclerc and showed very strong pace.

Moreover, he won the third race- the Australian Grand Prix just two weeks after surgery for appendicitis, thus showing his resilience, perseverance, and potential.

The Spanish driver still doesn't have a seat for the 2025 season, but he is one of the most attractive alternatives on the market for both Mercedes and Red Bull.

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On the other hand, Helmut Marko addressed the speculations about Sainz's possible return to Red Bull by highlighting Sergio Perez's current form. He told Laola1.at:

"Of course, his form is fascinating. But it should be noted that Checo (Pérez) delivered three good races this year."

The goal that Marko set for Perez ahead of the season was to finish second in the Championship with maybe one or two Grand Prix victories,

The 34-year-old finished second in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but in Australia, he came only fifth, which many fans quickly used to point out he isn't as fast. However, Marko suggests P5 in Melbourne wasn't his fault.

"The reason why he fell behind in Melbourne was due to the damaged underbody and tire degradation mentioned above."

As of now, the 80-year-old seems to like how Perez performs and suggested that maybe only one thing could be improved, and that's qualifying sessions.

Perez's qualifying results so far were P5 in Bahrain, P3 in Saudi Arabia, and P3 in Australia (he had to start from P6 after the penalty). Apparently, "there is no need to think" about anyone else if Perez can improve what Marko suggests.

"His only weakness is in qualifying, if he can improve there, there is no need to think. The atmosphere in the team is very good, also as far as he is concerned."