Helmut Marko, Red Bull Formula 1 motorsport advisor, claims that Sergio Perez is no longer running for world championship title. He believes that the Mexican driver has “woken up from his world championship dream”. The advisor supports his claims with recent struggles the driver has encountered.
Max Verstappen, two times world champion, remain unmatched throughout the season. Perez only managed to close the gap to six point on the drivers standings after winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April.
However, his form deteriorated that he failed to progress into Q3. The failures has sparked a will to fight back in him. But despite being in a fastest car, he could not even managed to the second position since Miami.
Marko believes the rough patch has allowed Perez to gain his focus. He has abandoned his dream for championship title this year. The advisor is hopeful that this will help him focus on improving his performance for the rest of the season.
Marko on Perez seat
The Austrian also reiterated the claims of Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, that Perez seat is safe as long as he remain on the second spot.
Marko said: “We have a contract with Perez until the end of 2024. He is second in the world championship. What need do we have to take action?
“He has now woken up from his world championship dream. Maybe that will help him to focus again on delivering the best possible performance.”
Marko gave the wake up call and claims that Verstappen intelligence remain underrated. He insisted that Perez is no match to his overall skill level in F1.
Read More: Ricciardo feels like World Champion
“Max is underestimated,” said Marko. “He is an exceptional driver. Just looking at the mental capacities he still has. He even noticed on the radio when my mobile rang! [in FP2 during the Spanish GP].
“He has such talent, such speed. And he’s on cloud nine, no one would look good next to him. Verstappen is a completely different yardstick.
“That Perez has to be within three tenths [of a second] of Max is a generous interpretation on our part. Sometimes it was more.
“Perez is second in the world championship. More is not possible for him. He is fulfilling that at the moment.”
