Dr Helmut Marko has admitted he is tentative to offer Sergio Perez a multi-year extension at Red Bull.
A difficult 2023 campaign for the Mexican driver resulted in questions being asked over his future at the Milton Keynes-based squad beyond the expiration of his contract this year.
However, Perez has enjoyed a strong commencement to the new season, scoring three second-place finishes in the opening four races.
The robust start has sparked suggestions that Perez could be Red Bull's best option to partner with Max Verstappen beyond the current season.
Marko has ruled out the potential to bring back Sebastian Vettel to the team amid suggestions from the four-time world champion that he is considering a return to the grid.
"What, Vettel at Red Bull? No, that is not an option," Marko told Austrian publication OE24.
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Perez concern
Marko was also coy over the prospect of bringing Alex Albon back to the team as he “has a contract until the end of 2025” amid a rumour that Red Bull's Thai owners and team principal Christian Horner are interested in the Williams driver.
Perez is currently in his fourth season with Red Bull, having replaced Albon at the squad ahead of the 2021 campaign.
But Marko has suggested that anything more than a one-year extension for the 34-year-old beyond the current campaign could be a risk for the team.
“Everything is an option,” Marko asserted. “Our team is currently working very well.
“If he [Perez] has a secure contract for two years, there is a risk that he will slack off.”
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