Helmut Marko has publicly criticised Sergio Perez just days after his father predicted he would become a world champion one day. The 34-year-old has endured a hugely difficult year at Red Bull and is facing the possibility of being sacked at the end of the season.
Perez suffered yet another Q1 exit at the Mexican Grand Prix and will start his home race from 18th on the grid. Speaking after the session, Marko pulled no punches as he expressed his frustration at Perez’s lack of form over the last few months.
“The hoped-for upturn that we all expected has unfortunately not materialised,” Marko told Sky Germany. “He complained on the radio about his brake problems. At least that’s what I heard.
“We have to see what exactly was going on, but unfortunately, the recovery that we all expected did not happen. All due respect to his father’s optimism.”
It comes just days after Perez’s father Antonio said he was confident the Red Bull man would win a Drivers’ Championship title before he eventually decides to call it quits.
Discussing his son’s ability, he said: “The best of Checo Perez is yet to come. I am sure that in due course, Checo will have the weapons and the tools to fight for the world championship. I am very excited and I can say that Checo will be world champion.”
In spite of his father’s comments, Perez is a long way off being able to fight for titles based on his muted form over the last few years. It remains to be seen if Red Bull will stick with him or replace him with another driver between now and the start of next season.
Reports have suggested that a number of potential replacements have already been shortlisted by the reigning champions. Williams driver Franco Colapinto is among those under consideration to step in for Perez next year, according to Sky Italy.
It is said that Red Bull recently opened talks with Colapinto’s representatives to gauge his interest in joining them. The 21-year-old is still available for next season, having only been drafted in at Williams until the end of the current campaign.
