Helmut Marko has admitted that Red Bull’s driver line-up plan for the 2025 Formula 1 season “didn’t quite work out” despite having a clear goal in mind.
The team will continue with Sergio Perez as the backup to Max Verstappen next year.
Perez, who was set to become a free agent at the end of this season, received an extension ahead of the Canadian GP, keeping him with Red Bull until the end of the 2026 campaign.
Verstappen remains under contract until 2028 after signing a long-term deal in March 2022.
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Red Bull had considered replacing Perez with several rival drivers, including Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, or promoting Daniel Ricciardo from their junior team, Visa Cash App RB.
However, they chose to extend Perez’s contract to maintain stability within the team. Marko explained that the extension was intended to create a calm environment, but the plan has not been successful.
He now expects Perez to prove himself in the upcoming races after poor performances at the Monaco and Canadian GPs.
“He really didn’t have to stick to it,” Marko told OE24.
“We extended his contract because we wanted to bring calm to our team, which unfortunately didn’t quite work out.
“But now Checo has three races ahead of him on three real race tracks, so he can prove himself.”
Red Bull confirmed Perez’s contract extension shortly after his retirement from the Monaco GP.
Perez crashed on Lap 1 after colliding with Kevin Magnussen through Beau Rivage, despite seeing the Haas driver in his mirrors.
He also struggled in qualifying, posting only the 17th fastest time.
His difficulties continued in the Canadian GP, where he retired on Lap 51 after a Q1 exit with P16 and a spin at Turn 6 that damaged his RB20.
The stewards penalized Perez with a three-place grid drop for the Spanish GP due to his damaged car returning to the pits.
Red Bull had instructed Perez not to stop on the track to avoid a safety car, but his rear wing lost parts after heavy contact with the barrier.