Red Bull’s Marko Opens up on Sergio Perez’s F1 Contract
Follow Us
Red Bull has been handicapped, in one way, since the day Daniel Ricciardo left to join Renault. The team was highly competitive until 2018 when Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo drove for them. Since Daniel’s departure, the Austrian team has had a tough time finding a suitable replacement.
Red Bull promoted Pierre Gasly to replace the Australian for the 2019 season, but the French driver failed to live up to the expectations. In an unfortunate move, Gasly was demoted back to Alpha Tauri with nine races left in the season.
Alexander Albon was then called in to replace Gasly mid-season. The young Thai driver had nine races to prove himself, and he did well, thus prompting Red Bull to sign him for the next season. However, even Albon could not keep up with Max Verstappen in 2020.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As a result, Red Bull had to look outside their young driver program to replace Albon. After Sergio Perez’s inclusion, Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko admitted that the continued betting on Red Bull Academy drivers has been a mistake.
He said, “It was a relatively short contract negotiation, it’s a one-year deal. We can step in if he gets other offers. The background is: since Max is with us, except for Ricciardo, the second car is always behind. against our philosophy. Until now, we have almost always had pilots from our program.” (quotes are translated through Google Translate)
Red Bull hopes Sergio Perez will make them stronger
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Red Bull has always relied on their Young Drivers’ Program to build championship-winning drivers. Verstappen, Ricciardo, Gasly, and Albon are all a result of that program.
However, after Ricciardo, the last two Red Bull Academy drivers have not lived up to expectations.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Fernando Alonso Delivers His Message to George Russell Following Ballistic Rant on Radio By the Mercedes Driver
March 24, 2024 10:17 AM EDT
“All Spanish Aston Martin Next Year”: Carlos Sainz Could Join Fernando Alonso in 2025 as Bad News Awaits Lance Stroll, Predicts Eddie Jordan
March 28, 2024 02:18 PM EDT
“You Are Disgusting”: Ex-GF Isa Hernaez’s ‘Vengeful’ Update Leaves Fans Pointing Fingers at Carlos Sainz
October 28, 2023 10:12 AM EDT
Sebastian Vettel Reveals Texting Lewis Hamilton Directly After His ‘Surprising’ Ferrari Announcement
March 28, 2024 01:17 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner Plans to Seize Full Control of Red Bull Empire With Drinks & Racing; Position ‘Strengthened’ by the Stakeholders
March 28, 2024 01:08 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Towards the end of 2020, it seemed like Perez might miss out on the 2021 season. However, he conjured up some fantastic races towards the end of the season. It was enough to impress Helmut Marko and Red Bull to go out of their way and sign someone foreign to their junior academy.
Both Perez and Verstappen hope to push each other hard next season. Hopefully, with Perez and Max’s 2020 momentum, Red Bull will see both their drivers fight for the podium and force a much closer fight with Mercedes.