Red Bull chief reveals new team priority with 'slower' Perez disregarded

Helmut Marko's recent comments suggest Sergio Perez is no longer a priority for Red Bull, as the team focuses on Max Verstappen's title defense.

Perez has been with Red Bull since 2021 and has played a crucial role as a support driver for Verstappen. However, Marko's comments indicate that the team is now prioritizing Verstappen's title defense over Perez's ambitions.

Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that the team's priority has shifted towards Max Verstappen, with Sergio Perez now considered a secondary driver. Marko's comments come after Perez's disappointing performance in the 2022 season, where he finished third in the drivers' championship behind Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Marko stated that Red Bull's focus is now on ensuring Verstappen has the best possible car to defend his title. He also suggested that Perez may be asked to play a more supportive role in the team, prioritizing Verstappen's success over his own.

This news will come as a blow to Perez, who has been hoping to challenge Verstappen for the championship in 2023. The Mexican driver has been in impressive form since joining Red Bull, winning two races in 2022. However, it now appears that his hopes of becoming world champion may have to be put on hold.

Marko's comments also raise questions about the future of Perez at Red Bull. The Mexican driver's contract expires at the end of 2024, and it is unclear whether he will be offered a new deal beyond that. If Perez is forced to leave Red Bull, he could find himself in a difficult position, as he is unlikely to be offered a competitive drive at another top team.

The news of Red Bull's new team priority is likely to have a significant impact on the 2023 season. Verstappen will now be the clear favorite for the championship, while Perez will need to find a way to adapt to his new role within the team. It will be fascinating to see how the relationship between the two drivers develops over the course of the season.