The Mexican F1 fans are known to be one of the most enthusiastic and passionate, and the race weekend is nothing short of amazing. Unfortunately, their passion would end in heartbreak after Sergio Perez retired on the first lap of the Mexican GP. Looking to please his fans and capitalize on an impressive start off the line, the Mexican swooped to the outside line. However, the overtake was not meant to be with Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen on the inside.

The fans held their breath as Perez’s RB19 gained some impressive air time, coming back down with such a bang that it caused terminal damage. And with it, Perez’s hopes of a mighty homecoming came crashing down. While the media were instantly curious to know what Red Bull’s chief advisor, Helmut Marko had to say about the turn-one blunder, the Austrian lashed out in an attempt to defend the driver he’s vocally been critical of over the last few months.

Helmut Marko backs Sergio Perez after a brutal Mexican GP added to the 2024 dilemma

The 2023 Mexican GP weekend has not gone the way that Sergio Perez would have wanted. However, he had begun the weekend on a strong note, finishing third in the first and third practice. It all began to unfold for him during qualifying when the Mexican lost out to Daniel Ricciardo. The man touted to replace him if he failed to perform. What added insult to injury was the fact that the Honey Badger had out-qualified Perez in an AlphaTauri, the team who were at the bottom of the points table before this weekend.

After Sergio Perez’s performances this year, he has fallen prey to many speculations regarding his future at Red Bull. While Helmut Marko had made his disappointment known about the Mexican’s performances, he put the fans at ease regarding Perez’s future. He shared, “How many times do I have to repeat this? Checo has a contract for 2024 and that will happen. He had a super weekend until the first lap of the race and I am convinced that he would have been on the podium.”

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 The Red Bull advisor insisted that Perez’s contract would be valid until it expires at the end of 2024, commending the Mexican on his brilliant performance leading up to the fateful incident. While he’s previously pointed out Perez’s shortcomings, the Austrian came to Perez’s aid amidst his disastrous venture into turn one.

WATCH: Fans Enter Brutal Skirmish as Fight Breaks Out Between Red Bull and Ferrari Fans After Sergio Perez’s Mexico GP Crash

However, his words might not have soothed the Mexican Minister of Defence completely, as there is a looming threat from outside Red Bull’s immediate camp.

Will Daniel Ricciardo’s fire change Helmut Marko’s mind?

It’s safe to say that Perez is safe from Marko’s fury, but if you add a Honey Badger into the mix, things get interesting! The Mexican’s direct competitor and the man putting immense pressure on Perez for the Red Bull seat, Daniel Ricciardo, delivered a deadly double combo. Not only did the Australian qualify ahead of Perez in an AlphaTauri, but he managed to bring in their best result since 2021 in only his second race back.

The points haul was so significant that Red Bull’s junior team gained two places and a lot of money in the constructor’s standings. It spells nothing but trouble for Perez after his turn-one risk imploded. While Perez might have Red Bull’s words to support him, it wouldn’t be unlike them to change their minds about contracts!

Ultimately, Perez is failing to perform to the level of expectation. After losing 19 points to Lewis Hamilton, the Mexican finds himself in a rut, trying to defend the second place in the driver’s standings with all his might. Although it could have been worse for Perez if Hamilton had not been disqualified from the US GP. It will be crucial for Perez to not let the Mexican GP start to get to his head and continue on the road to recovery.

WATCH THIS STORY: How a Euphoric Sergio Perez Hilariously Leaked His Red Bull Contract Announcement at Monaco

The Mexican just can’t catch a break! Even after Marko’s comforting words, his homecoming disaster could be a sign of what lies ahead if he continues these performances. The risks are starting to become too costly for Helmut Marko and Christian Horner, and it’s only a matter of time before their patience runs out for Sergio Perez.