F1 News: Red Bull Advisor Hits Out At Sergio Perez Rumours - "Who Is The Alternative?"

Helmut Marko hits out at claims that Sergio Perez is going to be replaced in Red Bull.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has hit out at the speculation over Sergio Perez's future with the team. 

Rumours have increased surrounding the Mexican driver losing his seat on the Red Bull team as Max Verstappen is dominating the 2023 season so far, with Perez falling behind. 

During a recent interview with F1-Insider.com, Marko shot down the rumours explaining that Perez contributes to the constructors' championship and can win races when he is in top form. He said:

"But if you look at it simply, Perez is doing what we ask of him. He contributes to the constructors' championship, and when he is at his best, he can also win races." 

Perez has won two races of the season so far, in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. However, the gap between the two Red Bull drivers is increasing. Verstappen is leading the drivers' championship with 195 points with Perez in second with 126 points. The gap is also closing to Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in third and fourth who have 117 and 102 points, respectively.

There have been many rumours of Perez being replaced when his contract runs out at the end of 2024, with Alex Albon, Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo, and Lando Norris being mentioned. However, Marko went on to add that they don't think there is a better alternative. He continued:

"The question of whether he is good enough is not an issue for us. After all, Verstappen is only getting better, and then you have to ask yourself, 'Who is the alternative? Is there someone who can challenge Max?' I honestly don't think so." 

The next important F1 date is 30th June - 2nd July for the Austrian Grand Prix.