Red Bull made an outstanding 1-2 finish for 3 out of 4 races. But in the one race that they didn’t, neither of the drivers were on the podium. Verstappen had a fire in his car coming from the rear right brake caliper, which caused him to retire. Sergio Perez had the RB20 working perfectly fine, and after he finished 5th in the race, the team was disappointed with his performance.

Meanwhile, Helmut Marko has been closely observing Perez’s performance over the season. Over the last 4 years, Perez has been a valuable asset, leading to Max Verstappen’s domination by being the supportive teammate he is. Although he finished 2nd in the driver’s championship, his performances are not consistent, considering that he is driving the RB20 rocketship. Following the Japanese Grand Prix, the 80-year-old director was interviewed by OE24, where he spoke about the Mexican driver’s future.

The pressure on Sergio Perez is at an all-time high

Sergio Perez is out of his contract at the end of the 2024 season and currently Red Bull is waiting to see if he deserves an extension. Checo has performed well in all other races, but the team is looking for consistency. In the chance that Max Verstappen does not win a race, Red Bull wants the teammate to win the race. In a recent interview with OE24, the team director Helmut Marko came forth to explain why Perez hasn’t gotten a contract yet.

When asked by OE24, “Would Sergio Perez, for example, be an option to stay at Red Bull for another year?” Marko explained the team’s perspective saying, “Everything is an option. Our team is working very well at the moment. If he (Perez, ed.) has a secure contract for two years, there is a risk that he will slack off.” The team is hoping to have the best driver they possibly can and Sergio Perez needs to prove to them that he is the best option for them.

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“Hope You Got the Cash”: Sergio Perez’s Cryptic Message Reveals Bet With Christian Horner

While there are quicker drivers on the grid, Red Bull needs someone compatible with Max Verstappen. So far, the two have been doing well together with Perez often found blocking rivals from getting past him to challenge the defending champion. The team has a strategy in place, and that is to make sure Verstappen wins and to make it possible, Sergio Perez is expected to keep the rivals at bay. But is this enough to continue winning beyond this season and what lies ahead for Checo?

Does it mean the end of the line for Sergio Perez?

Sergio Perez has been fighting for his seat at Red Bull ever since he joined the team. The position next to Max Verstappen is probably the most difficult seat to hold as the 3-time world champion gives his teammates no place to shine. Still, Checo has been optimistic about getting a contract renewal, even going forth to say he expects a 3-year renewal from the team.

On one hand, Sergio Perez brings in a lot of value to the team by not being greedy for the championship. He also brings in a lot of sponsor money from Telemex along with other sponsors from Mexico. This gives the team enough reason to keep Checo as long as he is performing on the tracks. On the other hand, many other drivers are trying to get them into the seat.

On the other hand, the management of the team is going through a power struggle which is led by Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. Both reportedly trying to get control of the team and Sergio Perez’s future hangs in the balance. When Horner was asked about Checo’s seat following the Japanese Grand Prix, he said, “[Perez] he knows he’s out of contract for next year, it’s his seat to lose, he’s very popular in the team, and he’s started the season in the best possible way. He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing.”

Do you think Checo will get a contract extension or will it be goodbye for the Mexican? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Christian Horner & Co. Favoring Carlos Sainz to Replace Sergio Perez as Contract Talks Begin in Suzuka, Reveals F1 Insider