Helmut Marko has appeared to rule Alex Albon out of replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull for the 2025 season.
Perez's contract with Red Bull expires at the end of the 2024 season and his future has been called into doubt following a 2023 season in which he struggled to match team-mate Max Verstappen who won 19 times to Perez's two.
Former Red Bull driver - who Perez actually replaced - Albon has been linked with a return following a successful time at Williams whilst RB duo Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda are both keen on partnering Verstappen in 2025.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner fended off questions in late 2023 about Perez's future for 2024, with Motorsport advisor Marko now indicating that it won't be Albon who could replace the Mexican.
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Perez's Red Bull future
"Albon is not [a contender] for us, he has a contract until 2025 [with Williams]," Marko told Klienezeitung.
"Checo has to deliver consistent performance, it is clear he can't always drive at Verstappen's level.
"If he comes second in the World Championship, and gets one or two wins, he will certainly be [a contender] for 2025.
"The seat [alongside Verstappen] is, on the one hand, highly sought after, but on the other hand, it is an ejector seat as no team-mate can hold a candle to Max, and it can quickly become demoralising."
Marko also hinted at what Red Bull's current thinking towards Ricciardo or Tsunoda is as both look to force their way into the senior team for 2025.
"For both [Ricciardo and Tsunoda], it is not just about staying in Formula 1, but also about the possibility of promotion.
"This applies to the person who clearly dominates the season within the team."
Marko also appeared to rule Carlos Sainz out, believing the soon-to-be ex-Ferrari driver "probably wants to make a decision earlier than us."
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