Formula 1: Mexican star Sergio Perez is performing at the peak of his powers this season for Red Bull. Apart from being a regular at the front, he also took to the chequered flag ahead of the rest on two occasions in five races so far. He closely stands behind teammate Max Verstappen in the championship tally, with a deficit of 14 points. Moreover, he is not backing out from the fight this season, and is back in style to his teammate on the track when needed. Team advisor Helmut Marko also acknowledges the same. More recently, he talked about Checo’s future with team. Follow Formula 1 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Red Bull signed Checo at the end of the 2020 season after his heroics in the Sakhir GP. The seat came unexpectedly to him at the last moment when everyone was certain that he will have to wait on the bench for at least the following season. Since then, it has been a journey to cherish for the “Mexican minister of defense”. He helped Max on multiple occasions which to fight for the championship, especially in 2021. In addition to that, Checo established himself as a force to reckon with over the last two and a half years.
This season, things have taken an even more radical turn, he is not seen as Max’s wingman anymore. Perez, through his exemplary performances, has officially put his hat in the ring for drivers’ title. Last year, he signed a contract extension with the Milton Keynes team which will exist in force till 2024.
Helmut Marko backs Sergio Perez as Red Bull Formula 1 driver for another year
Marko is a key figure in Red Bull management. He works as an advisor and earlier headed the Red Bull junior program. Max Verstappen’s early induction in the team is often credited to Marko. However, the team’s focus over Max has been a point of contention for many drivers who occupied the second seat in the team. Recently, the conversation again held attention when Checo seemed like closing in to Max from time to time. Many believe the team will not give Perez an equivalent chance to championship, thus raising questions over Perez’s future and relations with the team.
Answering to above contentions, Marko was rather positive yet straightforward with his response. “He signed a two-year contract and it includes 2024 and, with the performance he is having, there is nothing against that,” said the Red Bull advisor as reported by Marca.com.
With 18 races still to go for the season, fans are hoping for a clinical yet glitzy title fight. Next Sunday, Perez will take the wheel of his RB19 at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari for the Imola GP. What are your predictions for the Mexican driver. Can he close down on his point deficit to Max in Italy? Comment below.
