Sergio Perez might find his newly signed contract "no use" if he doesn't enhance his performance swiftly.
It has become evident that additional lackluster outcomes in the upcoming Hungarian and Belgian Grand Prix could activate a termination clause in his agreement.
Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull F1 advisor, highlighted that Perez's modest collection of 15 points over the last six races, which is well over 100 points less than his championship-leading teammate Max Verstappen, is "clearly not enough."
Marko pointed out that the upcoming races in Budapest and Spa-Francorchamps are "crucial" for the underperforming 34-year-old Mexican driver.
"Let's see if he can find his form again," Marko commented to Kleine Zeitung newspaper.
"A contract is of no use if the performance is not right. Every Formula 1 contract has certain performance clauses," he stressed.
Marko expressed concerns about Perez's impact on Red Bull's chances in the constructors' championship, which "also causes unrest among the workforce."
"The bonus payments for the employees are based on the position in the constructors' championship, which is the most important thing for them," he elaborated.
If Red Bull opts for a mid-season driver switch, and subsequently a permanent change from 2025 onwards, Marko revealed, "I assume we will primarily use our existing drivers."
"We have three juniors who are ready for Formula 1," the 81-year-old advisor noted. "Liam Lawson is definitely at the top of the list in this regard. Behind him there are also Ayumu Iwasa and Isack Hadjar."
However, Yuki Tsunoda, who has been part of Red Bull's junior team RB since 2021 and recently re-signed for 2025, believes he is more deserving of the promotion.
"Yes, otherwise my place would not have been confirmed so early," Tsunoda argued.
"If they took Liam, that would be strange. Liam has done a good job in the simulator, but I think I've done better than him. Let's see what happens," he added. "They know what they're doing with drivers."
Regarding the immense pressure currently bearing down on Perez, he dismissed concerns in Hungary about his ability to handle it, and asserted, "These next two races don't change anything for me."
"I can't talk about my contract," he continued, "but I know my situation. I will be here next year too. Of course, my job is very public. Everyone comments about it. But I can't let it distract me."
