Perez 'needs team change’ to overcome F1 slump - Marko

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Dr Helmut Marko has hinted that Sergio Perez’s days at the team are numbered amid his difficult run of form.

Perez joined Red Bull in 2021 and has consistently been unable to match the pace of now three-time World Champion Max Verstappen.

But the Mexican driver’s form this year has dipped even further despite Red Bull possessing a car that is dominating the F1 field.

The squad has won 16 out of the 17 races staged so far, with Perez securing two victories in the opening four races but following his strong start, Perez’s on-track performances spiralled, resulting in question marks being placed over his future with the team.

Marko agrees with Berger

Former F1 driver Gerhard Berger recently suggested that Perez needs to switch to another team to find his form in the sport once again.

It is a similar situation that Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon find themselves in, having struggled at Red Bull before impressing after departing the Milton Keynes-based squad.

Marko has hinted that Perez, who has a Red Bull contract in place until the end of next year, should make a similar move.

“You must not forget: I brought Perez into the team back then,” Marko told OE24.

“But that's simply the fate with Verstappen that he's suffering now. That was already the case with Gasly.

“From that point of view, Berger's statement is the right one. Perez needs a change of climate and team.

“Now we'll see how the next two races [in USA and Mexico] go. But the team and he are aware that he is in a crisis.”