Helmut Marko hints at Sergio Perez’ Red Bull exit with a fascinating ‘junior program’ remark

Sergio Perez has so far managed to amass only 144 points in the 2024 constructors' championship.

Helmut Marko hints at Sergio Perez’ Red Bull exit with a fascinating ‘junior program’ remark

Helmut Marko and Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

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Sergio Perez the six-time Grand Prix winner, has been on a downward trajectory at the pinnacle of motor racing. He has so far amassed only 144 points this year and with the campaign coming to an end soon, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has hinted toward a possible exit.

The 34-year-old has been racing for Red Bull since the 2021 season of the sport. He did a somewhat acceptable job until last year but during the ongoing campaign, his performances have taken a massive dip amidst the rise of other teams.

Helmut Marko feels 2025 could be the year to try a Red Bull junior (Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, or Isack Hadjar) alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Ideally with a junior [as a team-mate] from our own junior programme.

Helmut Marko via ORF

The 81-year-old veteran of the sport has on many occasions, blasted Perez for his lackluster performances, especially this year. Moreover, with his most recent comments, he has indirectly given a warning to the Mexican driver to immensely up his game against the rivals. As things stand, the 34-year-old is in a disappointing eighth place in the 2024 driver’s standings.

Red Bull very impressed with Franco Colapinto’s F1 exploits

While Helmut Marko has hinted at a possible exit for Sergio Perez, he has also showered huge praise on Williams junior Franco Colapinto. The Argentine is competing for the Grove-based team in place of the sacked Logan Sargeant.

Franco Colapinto
Franco Colapinto (Via: Williams Racing)

Colapinto has so far amassed four points in only three Grand Prix outings.

I also hope that [Franco] Colapinto will end up somewhere. He was thrown in at the deep end [by Williams] and has delivered three great races.

Helmut Marko via the same interview

Colapinto has taken the world of F1 by storm. Several esteemed personalities have showered praise on him and Williams boss James Vowles is pushing hard to get the young driver a 2025 seat at Audi.

However, there are quite a few names in the running for the seat. Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher are being seen as the front runners for the drive alongside German F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg.