Red Bull Racing has found itself grappling with whether to retain Sergio Perez or drop him from the team after his recent performances fell short of expectations.
As the pressure mounts on the Mexican driver, speculation has arisen about whether Red Bull should seek a second driver to intensify who can challenge Max Verstappen.
However, according to Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, pursuing an alternative seems futile, as he explained in an interview with F1-Insider.com.
Marko acknowledged that Perez’s underwhelming displays cannot be dismissed lightly, despite the term “luxury problem” being applied.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
“We take these concerns seriously as well,” he said.
“However, if we analyse it simply, Perez is fulfilling his role as we expect.
“He contributes to the constructors’ championship, and when he’s at his best, he can even secure victories.”
This holds true, given Perez’s recent triumphs in Saudi Arabia and Baku earlier this year.
The Red Bull driver demonstrates remarkable prowess on street circuits, capitalising on their characteristics to his advantage.
Nevertheless, Marko asserts that contemplating an alternative driver is an exercise in futility.
“The question of whether Perez is good enough is not a concern for us.
READ: Lewis Hamilton accepts rival’s superior drive
“After all, Verstappen keeps improving, so we must ask ourselves, ‘Who could challenge Max?’
“Frankly, I don’t believe there is anyone.”
Marko’s stance is to relieve some of the pressure on his Mexican protégé, a contrast to his previous approach with Alexander Albon and Pierre Gasly.
Perez’s multitude of fans can take solace in the hope that he will regain his form soon, perhaps even beating Fernando Alonso in the battle for second place in the drivers’ championship.