Perez shuts down Red Bull axe threat

Sergio Perez is adamant he will '100 per cent' be at Red Bull after the upcoming summer break despite Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko stating talks over the Mexican's future will take place during that period.

Perez's run of abysmal form culminated in a crash in qualifying for last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix. It prompted Marko to state he would sit down with the Mexican after this weekend's race in Belgium to discuss his future.

Red Bull has grown increasingly concerned that its grip on its status as constructors' champions is weakening given the growing threat from McLaren which scored a one-two at the Hungaroring to close the gap at the top of the standings to 51 points.

Although Perez managed to stage a recovery drive in Hungary to finish seventh, he has scored just 21 points in the last seven races, sparking feverish speculation he could be released over the summer despite signing a contract extension in early June.

Asked directly whether he was '100 per cent' sure this weekend's race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit would not be his last for Red Bull, he replied: "Yes, correct."

Pushed by RacingNews365 in a media session ahead of this weekend's race in Belgium why he was so confident, Perez said: "Because I am.

"I know basically what's in my contract, I know the team trust in me, and I know where the main focus is, which is delivering on track."

When Marko's quotes were highlighted to Perez, he said: "It's something to ask him. I don't know."

Pressed again by RacingNews365 on whether he must have spoken to Marko about the Austrian's remarks, he added: "I haven't spoken about that particular point.

"I feel the whole team is fully focused on getting our season back on track, and the rest is purely speculation.

"The team is really working hard with me to get the season back on track, and winning the constructors' championship, it's all what we are working on.

"There hasn't been any further discussions other than on getting our season back on track."

As to whether there was any frustration with Marko, particularly as his comments have sparked the conjecture about his future, he said: "It's how this team operates, it is how it is, and I'm fine with it.

"I'm focused on the team, within the team, to get the maximum out of the team, out of the car, and the rest, like I say, it's pure speculation."