Helmut Marko, the motorsport advisor for Red Bull, engaged in a conversation with Yuki Tsunoda and Sergio Perez.
Linked to Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, Helmut Marko says Sergio Perez remains Red Bull’s “first option” to partner Max Verstappen next season.
The team is aiming to have their complete line-up settled “prior to” the summer break.
‘We want to be clear about this before the summer break’
Despite last year’s slump, which saw Perez record just five podiums in the last 17 races while Max Verstappen won all but one of those Grands Prix, Red Bull decided to stick with Perez for the 2024 season.
Despite the Mexican driver’s failure to take advantage of Verstappen’s DNF at the Australian Grand Prix, where he finished only in 5th place, doubts are resurfacing after his poor performance in Miami and even worse in Imola.
Former Bridgestone engineer Ernest Knoors believes Perez “cannot help Max in crucial races” while Christijan Albers called his “lack of speed” a “problem” for Red Bull.
He believes that the absence of an effortless victory for Red Bull has become an even bigger concern, as McLaren and Ferrari have successfully narrowed the gap.
Despite differing opinions, Marko firmly believes that the 34-year-old driver is still Red Bull’s top pick to team up with Verstappen in the upcoming season.
“Discussions are ongoing and Checo is still our first option,” Marko told Kleine Zeitung.
Even though we are not pressuring ourselves, we want to clarify this before the summer break.
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Helmut Marko reveals Yuki Tsunoda is ‘part of conversations’
Additional reporting by Sam Cooper
However, he is not the sole driver in contention, as Marko specifically points out Yuki Tsunoda, the driver from Red Bull.
In the Drivers’ standings, the Japanese driver has not only out-qualified Daniel Ricciardo but also surpassed him by a significant margin of 15 points to five. This impressive performance has put him in contention for a potential Red Bull promotion.
“Marko mentioned that Tsunoda is undoubtedly involved in discussions,” he stated. “We have included multiple provisions in his contract to ensure his long-term commitment.”
During his interview with the media in Monaco, Tsunoda expressed his desire for a Red Bull promotion, but also mentioned his contentment with staying at RB for another season.
But they are by no means his only option for his long-term future with the Honda-backed driver namechecking Aston Martin, who will be powered by Honda in 2026.
He stated, “When I’m in Red Bull, aiming for Red Bull is definitely a priority, without a doubt.”
However, if they are not interested in having me or if they are not anticipating my presence in the position, then yes, I would consider entertaining an intriguing offer that might be superior to VCARB or Red Bull.
However, I am also immensely grateful and loyal to Red Bull and Honda for their crucial roles in my journey, as without them, I wouldn’t have reached where I am today.
“And when it comes to Honda, and perhaps Aston Martin as well, both of these brands are already being driven by two individuals.”
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