The kickoff of the 2024 Formula 1 season witnessed Red Bull clinching its inaugural 1-2 victory, with Max Verstappen seizing the win, followed by Sergio Checo Pérez securing the runner-up spot, while Carlos Sainz secured third place.
While Pérez’s performance has often sparked debates within Red Bull, Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, didn’t shy away from expressing his thoughts on the Mexican driver’s performance.
In the wake of Red Bull’s remarkable 1-2 finish in the season opener, Marko lauded the efforts of his drivers and wryly noted the intact condition of Pérez’s car post-race.
“He has Max as a teammate, so not being destroyed is already a great achievement,” remarked the former Austrian driver.
Marko, who had previously hinted at Pérez’s uncertain future with the team, reiterated that the Mexican driver must continually prove his worth, especially amid rumored interest from Mercedes.
“There are no established criteria. He has to do enough to earn that seat. And days like today, you know, that’s exactly what he has to do,” emphasized Marko.
