Perez remains Red Bull's steadfast solution amid uncertainty

As the 2024 Formula 1 season reaches its midpoint, the spotlight has firmly shifted to the ongoing battle at the top of the constructors' championship.

While Max Verstappen continues to dominate the driver's title race, the performance of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez has come under intense scrutiny.

Perez's slump in form during the second quarter of the campaign has allowed McLaren to narrow the gap to Red Bull in the team standings, leading to speculation that the Mexican driver could be replaced.

However, in a candid interview with Speedweek, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has made it clear that Perez remains the team's "best solution" moving forward.

Backing Perez despite inconsistency

Marko acknowledged that Perez has struggled with consistency in recent races, but emphasized that the 34-year-old still has the potential to deliver strong performances, as evidenced by his impressive qualifying effort in Belgium.

"Sergio Perez will also be in the Red Bull Racing car after the summer break because we now have races on the tracks where he was good last year and we are banking on stability,"

Marko said.

"He has repeatedly shown good performances in between, and he was also very fast in third place on Saturday at the last race weekend in Spa."

The Red Bull advisor further underscored that Perez's position within the team is not contingent on pressure from Formula 1 owner Liberty Media, dismissing rumors that the series' commercial rights holder had a hand in the decision to retain the Mexican driver.

Weighing the alternatives

Marko revealed that Red Bull did consider alternative options to replace Perez, including the team's reserve drivers Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson.

However, after a careful evaluation, the team concluded that Perez remains the best solution for the remainder of the season.

"He doesn't have to become faster, but more consistent and, given the alternatives, he is still our best solution,"

Marko said.

Developing the next generation

While Perez's future has been secured for the rest of the 2024 campaign, Marko also addressed the team's plans for its young driver pool, particularly Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar.

Marko confirmed that Lawson will remain within the Red Bull system, dismissing the possibility of the team loaning him out to rival outfits.

As for Hadjar, the team advisor hinted at a potential role for the Formula 2 race winner, suggesting he could follow a similar path to that of Lawson as a test and simulator driver.

Navigating uncertain times

Helmut Marko's unwavering support for Sergio Perez underscores Red Bull's desire for stability and continuity as the team navigates the evolving Formula 1 landscape.

With the 2026 regulations looming on the horizon, maintaining a strong and reliable driver lineup could be crucial in the team's quest to defend its hard-earned supremacy.