During the Canadian Grand Prix, Red Bull faced a critical decision regarding Sergio “Checo” Pérez. The team did not have a clear view of the damage to Checo’s car and had to make a split-second call.
Red Bull did not know the extend of Checo’s damage before calling him into the pits during the Canadian GP:
Helmut: "At the time, we didn't know how serious the damage was. We couldn't see it with the camera angle we had available. We wanted Checo to continue, because anything… pic.twitter.com/tIhuaOP1Xf
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) June 12, 2024
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, explained the situation: “At the time, we didn’t know how serious the damage was. We couldn’t see it with the camera angle we had available. We wanted Checo to continue because anything was possible in this race. And you never know how much debris will fly off.”
Red Bull’s dilemma was balancing risk and reward. They had seen other drivers continue with damaged cars, including Lewis Hamilton winning at Silverstone on three wheels. But Checo’s situation was unique, and the team had to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
Ultimately, Checo Pérez pitted, and the team assessed the damage. The FIA later penalized him with a three-place grid penalty for the Spanish Grand Prix. Red Bull also received a €25,000 fine for a safety breach.
Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko Picks McLaren Duo as Best Driver Pairing in F1 Despite Red Bull
Red Bull Racing chief Helmut Marko has made a bold statement, favoring McLaren’s young duo over his own team’s lineup. Despite having Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez under contract, Marko believes that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are the best driver pairing in the paddock.
The McLaren Pairing
- Lando Norris: At 24 years old, Norris is currently in his sixth F1 season with McLaren. He has consistently impressed with his performance and work ethic.
- Oscar Piastri: The 23-year-old Australian is in his sophomore year and has already shown blistering pace, particularly in qualifying.
Marko’s Reasoning
In an interview with Le Journal de Montreal during the Canadian GP, Marko explained his choice: “Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at McLaren. They are young and hungry. Currently, they get along well and work well together.”
Max Verstappen, the three-time F1 champion, remains secure with Red Bull. However, Sergio Pérez has struggled for consistency, especially in qualifying sessions. Marko’s preference for the McLaren pairing reflects this assessment.
READ MORE: Red Bull Insider Blames Sergio Perez for ‘Horrible Weekend,’ Urges Turnaround