Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has revealed a shock reason the team may have opted to stick with struggling star Sergio Perez.
The Mexican Formula 1 racer has endured a miserable campaign in 2024, and has faced questions over whether his long-term future at the reigning constructors' champions is secure.
Despite making an encouraging start to the season, Perez has suffered a dramatic drop-off in form in recent months, collecting just 28 points from his previous eight outings.
Red Bull decided to extend the 34-year-old's contract in June, but their trust has yet to be repaid with the veteran falling almost 150 points behind team-mate Max Verstappen in the drivers' standings.
Sergio Perez is facing an uncertain long-term future at Red BullThe Mexican has been a long way off the pace of team-mate Max Verstappen this season
Fans of the sport may be shocked by Marko's claims, given Verstappen's dominance and Perez's struggles. However, astonishingly, La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that according to estimates, over 60% of Red Bull merchandise is sold in Mexico.
It is this popularity which continues to bring in significant funds for the Milton Keynes-based outfit from sponsors such as Disney, Mobil and KitKat who are eager to align themselves with the former McLaren driver.
With his home race in Mexico City still to come before the end of the year, Perez will hope to rediscover his form in time to give his loyal supporters a reason to celebrate.
GP AUSTRALIA
22 - 24 Mar
GP JAPAN
5 - 7 Apr
GP CHINA
19 - 21 Apr
GP USA
3 - 5 May
GP ITALY
17 - 19 May
GP MONACO
24 - 26 May
GP CANADA
7 - 9 Jun
GP SPAIN
21 - 23 Jun
GP AUSTRIA
28 - 30 Jun
GP GREAT BRITAIN
5 - 7 Jul
GP HUNGARY
19 - 21 Jul
GP BELGIUM
26 - 28 Jul
GP NETHERLANDS
23 - 25 Aug
GP AZERBAIJAN
13 - 15 Sep
GP SINGAPORE
20 - 22 Sep
GP MEXICO
25 - 27 Oct
GP BRAZIL
1 - 3 Nov
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024 
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024 
Qatar Grand Prix 2024 
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024 
Innovatieweg 20C