Sergio Perez’s continuation with Red Bull beyond the 2024 season remains uncertain, as several potential candidates emerge for the position.
Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, has seemingly dismissed the possibility of Alex Albon taking over from Sergio Perez for the 2025 campaign.
Perez’s existing contract with Red Bull is set to conclude at the culmination of the 2024 season.
His performance during the 2023 season, where he struggled to keep pace with his teammate Max Verstappen, who secured victory 19 times compared to Perez’s two, has raised questions about his future with the team.
Alex Albon, who Perez replaced, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for a return to Red Bull after a successful stint with Williams.
Additionally, both Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, current members of the Red Bull Racing team, have expressed interest in partnering with Verstappen for the 2025 season.
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, evaded inquiries regarding Perez’s status for the 2024 season towards the end of 2023. However, with input from Motorsport advisor Marko, it appears increasingly unlikely that Albon will be the one to succeed the Mexican driver.
Marko said; “Albon is not [a contender] for us, he has a contract until 2025 [with Williams],” “Checo has to deliver consistent performance, it is clear he can’t always drive at Verstappen’s level.
“If he comes second in the World Championship, and gets one or two wins, he will certainly be [a contender] for 2025.
“The seat [alongside Verstappen] is, on the one hand, highly sought after, but on the other hand, it is an ejector seat as no team-mate can hold a candle to Max, and it can quickly become demoralising.”
Marko also provided insight into Red Bull’s perspective on Ricciardo or Tsunoda, as both drivers aim to secure a spot on the senior team for the 2025 season.
“For both [Ricciardo and Tsunoda], it is not just about staying in Formula 1, but also about the possibility of promotion.
Marko also seemed to dismiss Carlos Sainz as a candidate, suggesting that the soon-to-be former Ferrari driver “probably wants to make a decision earlier than us.”
