F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Red Bull set to evaluate Perez’s F1 future during summer break

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko says that Sergio Perez’s performances will be evaluated during Formula 1's upcoming summer break.

Perez’s future with Red Bull potentially hinges on the next two races, in Hungary and in Belgium.

According to reports, Perez’s recently signed two-year extension with Red Bull includes a performance clause by which the latter may terminate the Mexican’s contract if his deficit to teammate Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ standings exceeds 100 points.

Perez is currently a daunting 137 points adrift from the Dutchman in the standings.

It is believed that another clause suggests a requirement for Perez to be within five positions of Verstappen in the overall standings. While he currently holds sixth place, both Mercedes drivers are within striking distance, adding pressure to the Mexican’s situation.

Marko, known for his blunt pronouncements, suggested that exit clauses in F1 contracts are nothing out of the ordinary, particularly for top drivers.

“All Formula 1 contracts have exit clauses, most of them related to performance or let’s say for the top drivers," Marko told GrandPrix247.

"As I mentioned before, we will have an evaluation during the summer break and then we will make a decision."

With Perez's future uncertain, speculation has already begun regarding potential replacements. Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson has emerged as a frontrunner.

Lawson, who made his F1 debut last year with AlphaTauri (now RB), was earmarked for a test on Thursday at Silverstone onboard Red Bull’s current-spec RB20. The Kiwi will be in action again at Spa, after the Belgian Grand Prix.

“First we have to see. Lawson is testing at Silverstone on Thursday,” Marko said, addressing Lawson’s prospects.

“And yeah, so two more races and there will be more outings with Lawson. There’s also Yuki Tsunoda who is doing very well.”

As the best performing driver at RB where he races alongside eight-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda is amidst his strongest season yet in F1.

The Japanese driver has clearly elevated his performance, largely due to a calmer and more composed approach to race weekends, which is evident in the 24-year-old's more measured and less frantic radio communication.

“We had a lot of arguments with Yuki, we also brought him together with a mental trainer because firstly, shouting was stupid and then he was getting slower,” Marko explained.

“That’s what worried me most. We taught him: If you tell an engineer the car is shit… What should he do?”

“You must give detailed technical information. You have to concentrate and find out exactly what the problems are.

“It’s basically if you talk to Yuki privately he’s not shouting, but he has an aggressive way of talking.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

12 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

14 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

15 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

17 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

19 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

19 hours ago