Helmut Marko tells Sergio Perez what he must do to help Red Bull win the Constructors’ Championship

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Red Bull face what seems like an almost impossible battle to retain both Formula 1 world championships in 2024 with just eight races to go.

They were the fourth fastest team at the Italian Grand Prix as neither car managed to finish inside the top five for the second time this season.

Their drop-off has them worried that McLaren‘s Lando Norris may even be able to overcome Max Verstappen‘s 62-point championship lead and prevent the Dutchman from winning his fourth title in a row.

It’s unlikely that they will perform at such a sub-par level at all tracks for the remainder of the season, but the next two events in Azerbaijan and Singapore seem to suit their rivals more.

Helmut Marko sets Sergio Perez a target to help Red Bull retain title

Sergio Perez has endured a pretty miserable season by everyone’s standards – struggling to get comfortable with an RB20 car that is even causing his relentless teammate Verstappen problems now too.

His lack of support in the second car may end up costing Red Bull the constructors’ crown, but it’s not too late yet with a third of the season to go.

Helmut Marko recognises this, and has set him a target for the rest of the year, which he believes would be enough for the team to claim the constructors’ title.

READ MORE: Davide Valsecchi ‘convinced’ he knows where Red Bull will finish in the Constructors’ Championship

“But of course we can’t always rely on this team being ahead, then another one,” he said in a column for SPEEDWEEK. “Our aim must be to be ahead on our own.

“The lead in the constructors’ cup has shrunk to eight points. We certainly don’t have to write off the manufacturers’ title.

“Because if Max starts winning again, then placings between 3rd and 5th place for Checo will be enough to successfully defend this title.”

Is there anything to suggest that Perez can help turn the tide around?

Perez is currently in the middle of a run of 10 races without a top five finish, which makes the idea of that turning around suddenly and turning into consistent results seem a bit far-fetched.

Four top eight finishes in a row suggests that he may be finding more consistency now, but he needs to find more pace in the car to be able to do what Marko is asking of him.

At times this season, Verstappen has made it look like he is driving a completely different car to the Mexican, who showed promise in the earlier rounds of the season with four podiums in the first five races.

READ MORE: How Christian Horner looked in the F1 paddock after Red Bull Monza disaster

He could be on course for his worst year with Red Bull if things fail to improve, and the mounting pressure could leave his position vulnerable for 2025, as Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson wait in the wings.

Eight points is all Red Bull have of their constructors’ championship lead which was once well in excess of 100 points, and it still feels like the team needs a miracle to turn the tide around.