Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko suggested once again that Sergio Perez's future with eth Milton Keynes-based outfit is not in jeopardy, adding that the Mexican is fulfilling the team's expectations despite his disappointing form.
After trading wins with teammate Max Verstappen in the early part of the season, Perez appeared to be a force to be reckoned in the fight for the world title.
However, a disastrous Monaco Grand Prix weekend, marked by a clumsy crash in qualifying, was followed by more qualifying pains on Saturday in Barcelona and in Montreal and subdued performances on race day at both venues.
Inevitably, questions of Perez's future have emerged with suggestions that Red Bull could terminate a year early the 33-year-old's contract with the team.
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But Marko sees no alternative currently as worthy as Perez to replace the Mexican.
"We take luxury problems seriously," Marko told F1 Insider.
"As far as Perez is concerned, so far, he has done the job we expect of him. He should help secure victory in the Constructors' championship and the current points score proves him right.
"He's also proven that he can win races when he's at his best.
"The question of whether he's good enough doesn't arise for us because Max is getting better and better, and the question you have to ask is rather a different one: Who would be the alternative?
"Is there anyone who could really challenge Max at the moment? I honestly don't see anyone there."
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Red Bull team boss Christian Horner acknowledged Perez's underperformance but vowed to support his driver during this difficult period.
"I mean, he’s second in the World Championship at the moment, he’s the only other driver to have won races – two races – other than Max this year," commented Horner.
"So we need to support him through this period and I’m sure he’ll find his form again soon."
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