The 2024 Formula 1 World Championship will restart at the end of the month with Sergio Perez back in his place, at the wheel of the Red Bull RB20 alongside championship leader Max Verstappen.
It’s no surprise now, considering that the Milton Keynes team has already announced in due time that they have confirmed the Mexican despite the fact that everything seemed set for a dismissal for good reason, considering the poor performances offered by Checo (also) this season and despite the multi-year renewal signed only a few weeks ago.
Helmut Marko, a consultant for the team led by Christian Horner, was the first to officially speak about the decision to retain Perez for the second part of the season. He did so through his column that is periodically published on Speedweek.
Perez stayed at Red Bull for several reasons. First of all the sponsors that are part of his contract with the team. But also merchandising (about 60% of what Red Bull Racing sells goes to Central and South America). In short, the economic factor is the most influential, without considering that in 5 races the Mexico City Grand Prix will be held, Perez’s home and everyone, absolutely everyone, will go to the Hermanos Rodriguez to follow Checo.
Marko, however, omitted this part, giving explanations that go in stark contrast to what he himself said during and after the Belgian Grand Prix. In Spa, we remember, Marko said: “Sergio had the opportunity to bring home a good result starting from second position. Unfortunately he didn’t succeed. Especially in the last stint, he completely collapsed”.
“For us the situation is such that we will also look at the overall situation for next season, 2025. We have a certain number of drivers and we have a concept. But of course every result is important for Sergio, and seventh place from second on the grid is certainly not what we expected.”
A few hours ago, however, on Speedweek he completely changed his tune regarding Perez: “Sergio Perez will be behind the wheel of his RB20 after the summer break because now we have races on the circuits where he went well last year and we are aiming for stability”.
“Sergio has repeatedly shown good performances between races, and was also very fast in qualifying third for the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa. Perez does not need to become faster, but more consistent. And, given the alternatives, he is still our best solution.”
Marko also denied speculation that Formula 1’s commercial rights holder Liberty Media had an influence on the decision not to replace Perez despite a series of poor performances – considering what Max Verstappen can do – that had brought him to the brink of collapse after Spa.
“Reports that Perez would remain at Red Bull due to Liberty Media’s desire to see him race in Mexico are not true,” the Red Bull Racing consultant continued.
“Liberty certainly wants Sergio to take part in his home Grand Prix, but our choice of driver is not based on Liberty’s intentions.”
An all-out defense from the man who seemed to be one of Checo’s main accusers. A change of facade by Marko that, after the choice made by the team’s top brass, becomes obvious and necessary, but does not hide the fact that only a few factors – and, we repeat, they are all outside of those related to performance – will allow Perez to still be in his place. At least until the end of the season. Then we’ll see…
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