Formula 1: Red Bull Chief Sets Condition Sergio Perez Must Fulfil To Earn Contract Extension

• Sergio Perez's future is up in the air ahead of the commencement of the 2024 season
• Checo is amongst the long list of drivers whose contracts expire at the end of the year
• A Red Bull Chief has provided a condition for the Mexican to receive a contract extension

A flurry of Formula 1 drivers have their immediate future up in the air ahead of the commencement of the 2024 season.

Currently, 14 of the 20 drivers on the grid have their current contracts set to expire at the end of the season.

One such driver grappling with the speculation surrounding his future is Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez.

The 33-year-old has faced persistent rumours about his time with the Austrian outfit, particularly following a performance dip midway through the 2023 season.

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A host of Formula 1 observers have drawn parallels between Perez's situation and past instances, notably the dynamics between Daniel Kvyat and Max Verstappen in 2016, especially with the return of Daniel Ricciardo to the fold.

However, amid the buzz the immediate future of the former BWT Racing Point driver has generated, a Red Bull Chief has provided a condition for Perez to get a new contract.

Red Bull Chief on Perez’s contract

In a chat with media outlet Motorsport-total, head of Red Bull's driver development programme, Helmut Marko, stressed a condition Checo must fulfil to get a new contract.

“If he drives in a form similar to that of the last races (of 2023), then you can easily talk about another extension,” the 80-year-old stated.

Further touching on the potential of Ricciardo replacing the Mexican for the 2024 season, the retired driver stressed:

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"Ricciardo has to show that he has [Yuki] Tsunoda clearly under control. Then he might be a candidate."

However, he stated that both Tsunoda and Ricciardo would be looked at for a promotion to Red Bull if the need arises.

Perez has echoed Marko's sentiments, emphasising the need for him to consistently perform at the level he displayed at the start and end of the 2023 season.

The Mexican driver will aim to build on his performance at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as he prepares for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.

Bahrain Grand Prix preview

Sports Brief in another report detailed an extensive preview and prediction of the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Sakhir race is poised to lift the curtain for the longest season in Formula 1 history.

Max Verstappen is tipped to clinch his 55th career win at the Bahrain International Circuit.