Marko Issues Important Update On Perez's Position Within Red Bull After Qualifying
F1Sunday, 21 July 2024 at 11:00
Helmut Marko responded to questions about Sergio Perez after another tough qualifying for the Mexican driver who got knocked out of Q1.
Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez looked stronger than ever before this season during the two practice sessions on Friday. Apparently, his long-run simulations were even faster than those of Max Verstappen.
However, it is now already clear he won't be able to translate that into a great result unless some miracle happens. Perez crashed his car during the first part of the qualifying, which meant he couldn't continue and was knocked out in Q1.
His final qualifying position was P16, but the damage to his car was extensive, so it wasn't clear whether he wouldn't have to start the race from the pitlane.
The two race weekends (including this one) before the summer break were supposed to be crucial for Checo as his future within the Austrian team might be decided based on them.
Another critical mistake in the qualifying might prompt Perez's bosses to make the big decision to finally replace him. However, Helmut Marko told Sky Germany Red Bull sticks with their approach and won't decide before the summer break.
"We stick to our approach. We wait for the next race, and then we sit down together to prepare and see what we are going to do."
Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, has a close relationship with Perez, and he revealed his conversation with the 34-year-old ahead of the weekend.
It seems everyone within Red Bull is currently doing everything they can to help Checo recover and keep his seat. However, Horner warned after the qualifying that his team "cannot keep walking one-legged."
One of the most discussed topics at the moment is who Red Bull could put in the Mexican's seat if they finally decide to pull the trigger.
The first two obvious choices are the two RB drivers, Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda. However, Marko also pointed out that Liam Lawson has shown a lot of potential and will very much be on the list.
"Again, we'll wait for the next race at Spa, and then we'll make a decision."
"But Lawson didn't just do that test [a Red Bull filming day at Silverstone earlier this month], he also spent a lot of time in the simulator, for example, so he's definitely a candidate if it could come to a needing of a candidate."
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