Helmut Marko responds to Sergio Perez’s father claim after difficult Mexico City Grand Prix

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Sergio Perez is fighting for his future in Formula 1 at the Mexican Grand Prix and his qualifying performance is unlikely to make his cause any better.

The Mexican complained about an issue with his brakes during practice and that did not get resolved in time for qualifying, as it persisted during his timed efforts.

Red Bull sent him out on soft tyres to start with but he was over a second off the pace of Verstappen, who was comfortably in the top ten places.

One final attempt saw Perez only qualify in P18 behind Oscar Piastri, marking it two shock exits in the first part of the session.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Sergio Perez’s life outside F1 from net worth to nickname

Perez’s father had been optimistic about his chances of retaining his seat for next season, but while discussing his qualifying form on Sky Germany, team advisor Helmut Marko offered a counter viewpoint.

Helmut Marko says Sergio Perez’s upturn has ‘not materialised’

Perez originally saw off the threat from Daniel Ricciardo after it was felt that Red Bull’s downturn midway through the season was partially to blame for his poor form this year.

His last podium was at the Chinese Grand Prix in April and since then he has struggled to finish in the top five. Although he has an agreement to race with Red Bull in 2025, Perez is currently in breach of contract after falling more than 100 points behind Max Verstappen.

With Liam Lawson making an impression in Visa CashApp RB, the Mexican must show Red Bull that he is the right driver for the job otherwise he risks being ousted.

“The hoped-for upturn that we all expected has unfortunately not materialised,” said Marko.

“He complained on the radio about his brake problems. At least that’s what I heard.

“We have to see what exactly was going on, but unfortunately, the recovery that we all expected did not happen. All due respect to his father’s optimism.”

Red Bull under threat from Ferrari in Constructors’ Championship

Charles Leclerc’s win at the US Grand Prix and the consistency from Sainz has enabled Ferrari to get within eight points of Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.

Ferrari has come back from a 52-point deficit at the Miami GP earlier this year to potentially be within reach of second place with five races left.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

With a strong finish at Mexico, they could also close in on current leader McLaren given that Oscar Piastri is starting low down the field.

Red Bull has stated they are no longer focusing on the Constructors’ Championship, intending to maximise Verstappen’s defence in the Drivers’ title battle with Lando Norris. But the drop in places could see them lose millions of pounds in prize money at the end of the season.