Red Bull not trying to put extra pressure on Pérez
Dec.22 - Dr Helmut Marko has denied that Red Bull is "trying to put pressure" on Sergio Pérez.
Towards the end of the season, it became clear that the relationship - or the appearance of a relationship - between Max Verstappen and Perez was breaking down.
Fairly promptly after that, it emerged that McLaren refugee Daniel Ricciardo was reuniting with Red Bull for 2023 in a third driver role - with some wondering if Mexican Perez was now on notice despite his two-year contract extension.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko
Verstappen then suggested Pérez was struggling to adjust to his de-facto number 2 role.
"I'm not going to name names, but you have to accept your role," the Dutchman said.
However, top team official Marko said Australian Ricciardo has mainly been brought on board in a marketing role.
"We must not forget that we are a very, very big team," said the Austrian. "We have more sponsors than any other team and that comes with a lot of obligations.
"We also want to increase our market share in America and who better to do that than Ricciardo. He has a big smile and his 'shoey' is known everywhere.
"He also has a lot of experience and can take the car to a higher level," Marko added. "We are absolutely not trying to put pressure on Sergio."
Indeed, it does appear that Marko, 79, is good enough to keep serving as back-to-back world champion Verstappen's teammate.
"I think Sergio has shown that he can drive at a very high level," he said. "If Max doesn't have a good race, Perez is there.
"When Max can push the limit and has the confidence, it's different than when anyone else pushes the limit," Marko insisted.
"Our car is where Perez is. And Perez is a very good Formula 1 driver. But he's not a Verstappen."
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Helmet doesn’t no when to keep his mouth shut, bit like Max.
We all have the right to voice our own opinions
Marko is entitled to his even if you don't agree
Marko owns the team. He has the right to do and say anything regarding how the team is run. Anyone who doesn’t agree, can leave when their contract is up. What is the problem with that? When posters own their own teams, they can run it the way they see fit. Tell me what is wrong with that?
Incorrect, Susan. Marko does not own Red Bull Racing, he is employed as a consultant. Similar to the way Nikki Lauda was a consultant to Mercedes Benz. Dietrich Mateschitz owned Red Bull Racing until his recent death. Chalerm Yoovidhya owns 51% of the Red Bull organisation, with Mark Mateschitz owning 49%. Since Dietrich's death, it is not clear who now owns Red Bull Racing, although it's not Marko. Maybe it is now owned by Mark Mateschitz and Marko reports to him.
I stand corrected! Thank you
The doc not applying pressure? Right.
The old adage applies
If you can't stand the pressure then get off the pot
Try and match your many millions elsewhere. Good luck 👍 with your quest
Ahaaaa .... " Marko, 79, is good enough to keep serving as back-to-back world champion Verstappen's teammate."
So, Dr Helmut is making a comeback to be Max's teammate!
I think the editor was asleep for that one!
IMO it is Marko’s team. If Perez feels pressure, take it as something positive. He needs to step up his game. If he feels too much pressure, there are other teams he may feel more comfortable with.
Dr Helmut Marko has denied that Red Bull is "trying to put pressure" on Sergio Pérez.
And Pigs may fly
Since when have f1 teams been run by a show of hands? Like most heads of businesses and companies, the top dog runs the show. So far, they have not become socialists.
Susan
All my research shows that the owners of Red Bull own the team, Helmet is employed as an adviser correct me if I’m wrong.
If he makes that advice public he is inviting comment on it, free speech and all that.
Thank you, I stand corrected