Sergio Perez is "mentally battered," according to Dr Helmut Marko, who did not refute ongoing rumours that Red Bull might release the beleaguered Mexican driver before the end of 2024.
The speculation that Max Verstappen may shockingly move to Mercedes next season persists, yet Red Bull F1 advisor Marko asserts this isn't currently the team's primary concern.
"If, if, if. That's all speculation," he commented to Osterreich newspaper when questioned whether Mercedes' improved performance this season could tempt Verstappen to activate an exit clause.
"Mercedes have taken a step forward. But that doesn't mean they have the fastest car yet," Marko pointed out. "Silverstone with its cool temperatures was good for Mercedes. They usually struggle in the heat."
"But what is normal about this season? We're experiencing such ups and downs that we're sometimes at a loss," the Austrian observed.
"Our focus is on winning the world championship and making sure Perez gets back to normal form."
As Mercedes, along with McLaren and Ferrari, notably narrows the gap to Red Bull in 2024, Perez's flagging performance could indeed jeopardize Red Bull's chances at the constructors' world championship.
"With all the bad luck he's had, he (Perez) is mentally battered," Marko, aged 81, noted.
When queried about the possibility of Red Bull terminating Perez's new contract should he fall 100 points behind Verstappen by the summer break, Marko stated, "Almost all the top drivers have performance clauses in their contracts. Nothing is certain in Formula 1."
Following Lewis Hamilton's resurgence to the top of the podium at Silverstone after nearly three years, Marko praised the seven-time world champion, acknowledging that the 39-year-old has not diminished in speed or sharpness.
When asked if Hamilton's confirmed move to a currently struggling Ferrari team for 2025 and beyond is a mistake, Marko responded, "I can't say," further mentioning, "Ferrari has lost an important man in chassis boss (Enrico) Cardile. Let's wait and see what happens with Adrian Newey."
"He (Newey) has some top offers, including from England, and can decide where he goes."
It's also factual that triple world champion Verstappen has an open invitation from Toto Wolff to join Mercedes as Hamilton's replacement as soon as the 2025 season.
"Max wants to win, of course, and that's understandable," Marko remarked. "Although races like we are currently seeing are certainly not bad for the sporting image of Formula 1."
Regarding Red Bull's prospects of recovery in Hungary following two consecutive losses to Mercedes, Marko concluded, "It won't be that easy. We didn't have the fastest car at Silverstone, because we have a problem - if not several. But as long as we extend our lead in every race, it'll be fine."
