P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marko: Perez improved F1 form because 2025 contract talks are at stake
Sergio Perez narrowly missed securing pole position for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix to his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen by a mere 0.066 seconds, resulting in a Red Bull 1-2 finish. With Perez’s contract ending soon, speculation arose that Daniel Ricciardo could replace him, but Ricciardo has struggled against Yuki Tsunoda. The potential availability of Carlos Sainz and uncertainties surrounding Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Red Bull’s stability add complexity to the driver lineup for the next season. Talks about contracts have motivated Perez, and Helmut Marko hinted that negotiations could impact his performance. While decisions are being accelerated this year, both Red Bull and Mercedes are taking their time to finalize their lineups for 2025, considering names such as Sainz. The relationship between Marko and Red Bull team principal Horner is scrutinized due to rumors of leaks regarding an investigation into Horner’s alleged inappropriate behavior.
