Dr. Helmut Marko has strongly countered reports suggesting that Formula 1's owner, Liberty Media, had a hand in determining the immediate career path of Sergio Perez.
Following the Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull convened a crucial meeting in Milton-Keynes where many believed Perez's dismissal for subpar performance was imminent.
Despite this, the company and team ultimately opted to retain the 34-year-old racer alongside Max Verstappen, at least for the remainder of the season.
This decision comes amid speculation that Liberty, propelled by support from Perez's sponsor Carlos Slim, strongly advocated for Perez's retention to avoid disrupting attendance at the Mexican Grand Prix.
"Reports that his continued commitment is due to Liberty Media's desire for him to race in Mexico are not true," Marko stated to Speed Week.
"They certainly want him to race in his home race, but our choice of driver is not based on Liberty Media's intentions."
Looking ahead, Red Bull's F1 advisor Marko believes the upcoming races should favor Perez, emphasising: "He doesn't need to get faster, just more consistent. And given the alternatives, he is still our best solution."
At the same recent Milton-Keynes meeting, Red Bull also resolved to maintain Daniel Ricciardo in the junior team RB for now, which is a setback for the aspiring rookie Liam Lawson.
"We will announce what happens next with Liam Lawson in September," Marko disclosed. "Even though the competition would like to use him on loan, he is not available for that." body check tags ::
