Red Bull F1 chief Helmut Marko BLAMES Sergio Perez in scathing verdict

Red Bull

Red Bull chief BLAMES Perez in scathing verdict

The Mexican has failed to feature on the podium since April

Kevin McKenna

Friday 11 October 2024 10:57

Red Bull boss Helmut Marko has hit out at one of his star drivers over his 'unpredictable' form.

The reigning Formula 1 constructors' champions are in a fierce battle to retain their crown, with McLaren currently ahead in the standings with six races of the season remaining.

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It's been a frustrating campaign for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, with both of their drivers suffering a dramatic drop-off in form despite each making a positive start to the year.

Max Verstappen faces a fight with Lando Norris to retain his drivers' title

Sergio Perez has endured a dreadful run of form over recent months

Helmut Marko brutal Sergio Perez verdict

Defending drivers' title holder Max Verstappen continues to lead the way as he targets a fourth consecutive championship, but he has been placed under significant pressure by his McLaren counterpart Lando Norris in recent months.

The Brit has chipped away at the gap between the pair at the top of the leaderboard, with just 52 points now the difference.

Verstappen has gone eight races without a victory, and has regularly aired his frustrations during that dismal run.

His team-mate Sergio Perez, meanwhile, has been struggling to finish in the points, let alone challenge for grand prix wins.

Red Bull director Helmut Marko has been frustrated by Perez's form of late

The Mexican has collected a total of just 43 over his last 12 outings, with the Chinese Grand Prix in April his last appearance on the podium.

Perez has come under pressure to keep hold of his seat, despite signing a contract extension with the team earlier this year, but has consistently received the backing of his team principal Christian Horner.

Marko however, has now spoken of his frustrations over how the Mexican's up-and-down performance levels have allowed McLaren to take full advantage.

Speaking to Sport.de, the Austrian said: "We know that Pérez has fluctuations. Especially when the car is modified at short notice, he needs a longer time to adapt.

"That is certainly a factor why McLaren is currently stronger than us in terms of driver pairing.

"In terms of speed, he can do it. He just has fluctuations that are becoming more and more unpredictable."

Red Bull Max Verstappen McLaren Formula 1 Lando Norris Helmut Marko