Red Bull

Marko gives Perez ULTIMATUM after Canadian GP struggles

Sergio Perez endured a difficult weekend in Montreal, losing more ground to Max Verstappen

Harry Smith

Tuesday 20 June 2023 19:57

Helmut Marko has told Sergio Perez that he 'has to get stronger' in qualifying in the coming races following a dismal run of qualifying performances.

The Mexican qualified in P12 for the Canadian Grand Prix while team-mate Max Verstappen qualified in pole position with an advantage of over a second to the rest of the field.

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Perez's Q2 exit in Montreal marked the second consecutive race weekend in which he has failed to reach Q3, raising serious concerns about his ability to challenge Verstappen.

While Perez did manage to salvage a P6 finish following his dismal qualifying performance, he lost more ground to Verstappen in the championship.

The gap between the two Red Bull drivers now stands at a whopping 69 points ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

Verstappen thrives as Perez struggles

Speaking to Dutch news outlet De Limburger, Marko said: "We have a strong package. A good chassis, a strong engine and the best driver. Even if we don't always have it perfect in terms of set-up, Max is good enough to win.

“It is wonderful that we are travelling to our home race in Austria with a hundred victories in history as a team.