P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sergio Perez has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 season, prompting suggestions that the Mexican driver will be retained beyond the current campaign.
Dr. Helmut Marko expressed hesitation about offering Sergio Perez a multi-year extension at Red Bull due to Perez’s challenging 2023 season sparking uncertainty about his future with the team. Despite this, Perez has had a strong start to the new season with three second-place finishes in the first four races, leading to speculation that he could be the best choice to partner with Max Verstappen beyond this year. Marko dismissed the idea of Sebastian Vettel returning to Red Bull, clarifying that it is not an option. He also avoided confirming the return of Alex Albon, citing Albon’s contract with Red Bull until the end of 2025. Marko hinted at the potential risks of offering Perez a contract longer than one year, stating that a multi-year deal could lead to a decrease in performance.
