F1 News: Red Bull Confidence In Sergio Perez Wanes - "Hamilton Is Getting Closer"

Dr Helmut Marko speaks out on Sergio Perez's position.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez finds himself under a huge amount of scrutiny following some of his struggles during the 2023 season so far. Now, Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko has assessed the situation with some criticisms of the Mexican driver.  

Key Takeaways

• Sergio Perez, following a series of disappointing performances and accumulating penalties in the Singapore and Suzuka rounds, confronts potential issues within the Red Bull hierarchy, despite prior assurances regarding his 2024 seat.
• Helmut Marko’s thoughts, shared ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, wrap firm acknowledgements of Perez’s weak spots in qualifications with subtle jabs, threading a narrative that suggests only the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso could match Max Verstappen.

“Qualifying is the weakness of Perez. We have to defend second place because Hamilton – unfortunately – is getting closer and closer,” explained Marko to the press. 

Speaking about Verstappen's incredible dominance throughout the 2023 season, Marko went on to state that he feels only seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and two-time champion Fernando Alonso would be able to cope driving alongside him. He added:

“Only great drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso would manage alongside him [Max Verstappen].”

Despite being nestled in the superior RB19, and maintaining a tenacious grip on the Championship’s second position, Perez’s positioning within Red Bull still looks uncertain. His capacity to continue grasping that standing has become a focal point with many believing that he will put his seat with the Austrian team in danger if he loses the second position.

F1 News: Sergio Pérez Reveals Mental Struggles Being Max Verstappen's Teammate

The first and only Free Practice session is due to take place shortly followed by Qualifying for the Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen has the opportunity to take the Drivers' Championship title during the Sprint Race tomorrow.