Marko expresses clear preference for Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull

Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, there is once again much talk about who will drive for which Formula 1 team in 2025. Red Bull Racing wants to make a decision on Max Verstappen's teammate next year before the summer break, and at the moment, there is a clear preference, says advisor Helmut Marko.

After his disappointing performance in Imola, Sergio Perez wants to prove himself in Monaco. The Mexican won the 2022 F1 race and certainly feels at home on the street circuit. Despite his eighth-place finish in the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, he need not worry immediately, according to Marko, and Perez owes that mainly to his strong start to the season.

"The talks are still ongoing, and Checo is still our first option. We want to have clarity on this before the summer break, although we are certainly not putting any pressure on ourselves," Marko said, in conversation with Kleine Zeitung. One point on which Perez and Red Bull are not yet in complete agreement is the length of the contract. Perez wants to extend for at least two years, but Red Bull is less keen on that.

Another name mentioned as a contender for the seat next to Verstappen is Yuki Tsunoda. Marko confirms that the Japanese driver is definitely an option. "He is, of course, also part of the talks," says the 81-year-old Austrian. "In general, we have several options in his contract to commit him for several years."