Ex-F1 driver claims Sergio Perez’s contract request was ‘laughed off’ by Red Bull

Sergio Perez is in pursuit of convincing Red Bull for a contract extension for next season.

Ex-F1 driver claims Sergio Perez’s contract request was ‘laughed off’ by Red Bull

Sergio Perez and Helmut Marko. (Via IMAGO)

Sergio Perez‘s Red Bull contract will expire at the end of the 2024 F1 season. The Mexican driver has raced for the Austrian team since 2021. However, Checo’s future remains uncertain after a string of poor results last season. Nevertheless, things have improved for the 34-year-old this year. Now, former F1 driver Robert Doornbos has revealed a recent incident between Perez and Red Bull.

Doornbos claimed that the Mexican driver went to discuss his future with Christian Horner and Helmut Marko after the Japanese GP. Sergio Perez achieved a solid P2 in the race right behind race-winner Max Verstappen, making it his third podium in four races. Robert Doornbos reckoned that Perez asked Red Bull for a three-year contract extension. However, this demand was met with laughter at the table.

For example, Perez went to that team yesterday [in Japan] and said, I want a three-year deal. At the table there is a laughing reaction to the anecdote.

Robert Doornbos said as reported by PlanetF1
YouTube video

The Dutchman claimed that it was Helmut Marko who outright rejected this demand. The 80-year-old insisted on a one year extension to ensure that Sergio Perez continues to push himself to the limit next season.

FS Video
That request is rejected by Marko. He says: No way, you have to give him a deal for a maximum of one year. Because if you give him a two-year deal, he’ll sit back and give up again. Let him run every year.
Robert Doornbos asserted

Robert Doornbos claims Adrian Newey will not renew Red Bull contract

Alongside Sergio Perez, F1 genius Adrian Newey is another top figure at Red Bull who is nearing the end of his contract with the team. Newey is perhaps the most successful car designer of his generation. The Briton has won multiple champions with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. Newey has been part of Milton Keynes for almost two decades. However, there have been rumors of tensions between the aero-genius and Christian Horner.

Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen
Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Doornbos highlighted that it was Horner who signed Newey for Red Bull. However, the 65-year-old might no longer want to continue his duties for the reigning world champion. The Dutchman was confident that Adrian Newey will not renew his deal with Milton Keynes. Previously, it was rumored that Aston Martin had tried to lure the Briton with a massive offer.

Everyone thinks that’s Christian Horner’s best friend and yes, he brought him in for the big successes, but he doesn’t want to get involved in this anymore either. What I have heard is that Adrian Newey will no longer renew his contract. 
Robert Doornbos stated

Red Bull has gone through a difficult period in the past few weeks. However, the on-track performance has remained unaffected for the Austrian team. As Max Verstappen’s dominance continued with yet another 1-2 finish last weekend. Although, it remains to be seen if Milton Keynes can carry on this stellar form throughout this season.

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