Sergio Perez's father expresses confidence that his son will remain a fixture on the Formula 1 circuit beyond 2025.
In Shanghai, Dr. Helmut Marko clarified that Red Bull has declined the 34-year-old driver's proposal for a three-year contract extension. However, Perez still remains in contention to retain his seat next to Max Verstappen for the upcoming season.
"It makes me happy that Sergio is showing stronger performances in this first part of the season than he did a year ago," Dr. Marko noted in his new column for Speed Week.
"Checo no longer goes into the race with the aim of beating Max at all costs. What I mean by that is that in 2023 he almost desperately went his own way when the speed wasn't right, to try to get closer to Max using a different setup. But he's given up on that," explained Marko.
Marko has expressed ongoing concerns about Perez's pace in qualifying. "When he is stuck in traffic, he is less able to make use of his qualities as a tyre whisperer," he remarked.
Marko has also been vocal about Lando Norris, mentioning the McLaren driver for the fourth time recently, noting, "He makes a big impression," and noting that he "has Oscar Piastri more under control than last year."
Mathias Lauda, son of Niki Lauda, pointed out, "The problem is that Max feels very comfortable with Perez. No top driver wants a teammate who can annoy him."
Marko confirmed that discussions with Perez continued after his departure from China last weekend.
"Look at (Fernando) Alonso," said Perez's father, Antonio Perez Garibay, a Mexican politician, "Checo can be there (in F1) for ten more years."
Rumours suggest Perez might have Aston Martin as a fallback option for 2025, which could explain the team's hesitation to finalize a new contract with the team owner's son, Lance Stroll.
"Checo has many scenarios," Perez's father told Relevo, a Spanish sports outlet.
"He is the most sought-after driver in F1 today, and the one with the most sponsors - more than Max and (Lewis) Hamilton combined," he stated.
"Companies all over the world rely on him. There is never any of his merchandising left because it always sells out so quickly," he concluded.
