Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s key advisor, has emphatically rejected recent speculations suggesting that Sergio Perez could be subjected to a pay cut for the upcoming 2024 Formula 1 season.
Amidst discussions about potential clauses triggered by the points difference between Perez and his teammate Max Verstappen, Marko has refuted the notion, emphasising that the team’s contracts are meticulously regulated and do not encompass such provisions.
Rumours had surfaced indicating that Perez’s points deficit to Verstappen could activate contractual terms leading to a reduction in the Mexican driver’s compensation for the following season.
However, Marko vehemently dismissed these claims, labelling them as baseless conjecture. In a conversation with Sport1, the 80-year-old Austrian stated, “I don’t know where that’s coming from.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
“It’s completely out of thin air. The contracts are strictly regulated.
“There will be no pay cuts.”
Perez’s performance trajectory has been a topic of discussion in recent times, with his points tally notably trailing behind the formidable Verstappen.
Despite these disparities, Marko expressed satisfaction with Perez’s recent resurgence after a challenging phase.
Acknowledging that Perez had faced a period of uncertainty, Marko noted, “Perez was in a bit of a crisis, but he got the curve back in the last two races.”
The Red Bull advisor also recognised the current invincibility of Verstappen, further noting, “Verstappen is just unbeatable at the moment.
“Perez can’t do it, but neither can any other driver.
“We have no reason to think about measures that affect Perez.”
Marko’s statement reinforces the team’s commitment to their drivers and their existing contractual agreements.
However, it is also a reminder about the impact that Perez’s inability to compete with his teammate could have on his future career.
READ: Sergio Perez opens up on trust issues at Red Bull after Daniel Ricciardo returns
With the summer break underway, Perez is currently 125 points behind Verstappen and only 40 points ahead of Fernando Alonso.
Despite being in the fastest car on the grid, Perez is at risk of dropping down to P4 in the Drivers’ Standings, while his teammate takes the title.
If Perez doesn’t secure a P2 finish in the Drivers’ Standings, Red Bull will certainly be facing questions over his ability to deliver for the team, especially as his contract is up at the end of the 2024 season.