Perez offered F1 future guarantee despite recent uncertainty

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has assured Sergio Perez his seat is safe for the remainder of the F1 season.

Speculation reached fever pitch about Perez's future following a wretched race weekend in front of his adoring Mexican fans a few days ago in which he miserably failed to make it out of Q1 before finishing last of the 17 classified runners.

In part, that was due to Red Bull trying to steal away the point for the fastest lap from McLaren's Lando Norris, and after a collision with RB's Liam Lawson. Regardless, Perez compounded his lowly grid slot by lining up out of his box and incurring a five-second penalty.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner added fuel to the fire surrounding Perez's position by refusing to give a definitive answer when asked directly post-race whether the 34-year-old would finish this season.

"That scrutiny is always going to be there," asserted Horner. "There comes a point in time when difficult decisions have to be made. We're now third in the constructors' championship.

"Our determination is to try and get back into a winning position, but it's going to be a tall order over these next four races."

Marko - A number of drivers who could be considered for next year

Marko, however, has clarified the situation, insisting to Kleine Zeitung that whilst he and Horner "are currently evaluating everything", Perez is safe for the next four grands prix as "decisions will only be made after Abu Dhabi".

That decision will follow a young driver FP1 outing for Isack Hadjar, currently second in the F2 standings, ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP, which Marko has said "will be crucial for his future". As to whether he is ready for F1, he replied: "Yes, absolutely. He was faster than Franco Colapinto in all junior categories."

In addition, there is also a test day at the Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesday after the grand prix when, according to Marko, "there are a number of drivers who could be considered for next year".

Pressure, though, is firmly on Perez again this weekend in São Paulo where he will run with a new chassis, according to Marko, in the wake of recent complaints.

"We have investigated everything because he said there are problems with the brakes and the chassis," said Marko. "I think he is even getting a new chassis now to calm him down."