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Helmut Marko Addresses Rumors That Liberty Media Forced Red Bull to Retain Sergio Perez

In recent weeks, the Formula 1 paddock has been buzzing with rumors suggesting that Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, had pressured Red Bull Racing to retain Sergio Perez as a driver. These rumors were further fueled by the belief that Perez’s presence is crucial for attracting and maintaining the interest of the sport’s substantial Latin American fan base. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, has now addressed these speculations, providing clarity on the team’s decision-making process regarding Perez.

Speculation around Perez’s seat at Red Bull intensified after a series of mixed performances during the 2023 season. While Perez secured several podiums and wins, his inconsistency compared to his teammate, Max Verstappen, led to questions about his future with the team. The Mexican driver’s marketability, particularly in Latin America, was seen by some as a key factor in his retention, with suggestions that Liberty Media might have influenced Red Bull’s decision to keep him onboard.

In a recent interview, Helmut Marko unequivocally denied any external pressure from Liberty Media in Red Bull’s driver selection process. Marko emphasized that decisions regarding the team’s driver lineup are made purely on performance metrics and the strategic needs of the team.

“There is absolutely no influence from Liberty Media on who drives for us,” Marko stated. “Our decisions are based solely on performance and what is best for the team. Sergio Perez has proven his worth on numerous occasions, and his experience and skill are invaluable to us.”

Marko also highlighted Perez’s significant contributions to the team since joining Red Bull in 2021. He pointed out that Perez’s ability to secure important points and support Verstappen in crucial races has been instrumental in the team’s successes.

Sergio Perez joined Red Bull Racing at the beginning of the 2021 season, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for being a tenacious and reliable driver. His arrival was seen as a strategic move to bolster Red Bull’s challenge against Mercedes in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

Since joining, Perez has delivered strong performances, including his memorable victory at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and several podium finishes. His ability to perform under pressure and his skill in tire management have made him a valuable asset to the team. Despite some inconsistencies, Perez’s overall contributions have played a crucial role in Red Bull’s recent successes.

While Perez’s marketability, particularly in Latin America, is undeniable, Marko insists that it is not a factor in driver decisions. The commercial benefits of having a popular driver are acknowledged, but they are secondary to the primary goal of achieving the best possible results on the track.

“Of course, having a driver like Sergio, who has a huge following in Latin America, is beneficial for the sport’s global appeal,” Marko admitted. “However, our focus is on performance. Sergio’s place in the team is based on his talent and what he brings to our championship efforts.”

As Red Bull Racing continues to dominate the 2023 season, the focus remains on securing both championships. Perez’s role in this pursuit is clear, and the team’s confidence in his abilities is unwavering. With Marko’s recent statements, the rumors of Liberty Media’s influence can be put to rest, reaffirming that Red Bull’s decisions are made within the team, based on merit and strategic considerations.

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, driver decisions are always subject to scrutiny and speculation. However, as Marko has made clear, Red Bull Racing is firmly in control of its own destiny, with performance as the guiding principle in all its choices.