Marko reveals Norris 'AGREEMENT' as Perez pressure increases
Marko reveals Norris 'AGREEMENT' as Perez pressure increases
Helmut Marko has suggested that Lando Norris is a strong possibility to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, revealing that the young driver had previously 'reached an agreement' with Toro Rosso before his move to McLaren.
The Red Bull advisor praised Norris’ ‘youth and speed’ as he highlighted Perez’s weaknesses, saying that the Mexican driver is ‘not always focused’.
While Perez has contributed two race victories to his team this year, his team-mate Max Verstappen has won every other race and broken several records in the process.
The Mexican driver has struggled to measure up to his dominant rival, and Marko cited ‘other interests’ as a reason that the team may have to look elsewhere.
Norris and Verstappen are good friends on and off track, with the pair recently blowing off steam during a friendly padel tournament at home in Monaco.
READ MORE: Unstoppable Verstappen is a MAJOR PROBLEM for F1
Speaking about Norris, he told ServusTV: “He is definitely a candidate for us. At Toro Rosso, we had already reached an agreement with him at the time, until his manager realised there was an option for a McLaren contract.
“In terms of youth and speed, he would suit us very well. Sergio, on the other hand, is already over 30 and is expecting his fourth child.
“So he also has other interests, so you have to see what happens next. Perez is not consistent, he is not always focused.”
Marko: Verstappen's team-mate needs strong mentality
Marko also discussed the difficult nature of racing alongside Verstappen, given the Dutchman’s comfort in the car and dominance out on track.
He praised Perez as having done the best out of Verstappen’s recent team-mates.
Marko explained: “On the one hand, the seat in Red Bull is one of the most wanted, but on the other hand, you also have Max Verstappen as an opponent.
“You then need a very strong personality and also mentality. Perez is the one who has done the best of all drivers in recent years and also won races."
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Albon reveals SECRET to his incredible defensive performances
Related news
Perez bullish over Red Bull chances despite 'wrong direction' dig
F1 paddock 'rumour' piles pressure on Perez as Red Bull axe looms
Marko declares which F1 Grand Prix was Verstappen's 'toughest'
Marko reveals Perez's extra work as pressure continues
Most read
FIA take action after Verstappen track limits mishap
F1 News Today: FIA make changes as Mercedes receive double penalty and Horner curses bad luck
Red Bull to replace driver at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Stroll issues Alonso Aston Martin contract verdict
Horner takes aim at Kravitz with savage jibe at Sky Sports pundit
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Nyck De Vries
- Liam Lawson
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of Australia 2023
- Grand Prix of China 2023
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
- Miami Grand Prix 2023
- Qatar Airways Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
- AWS Gran Premio de España 2023
- Grand Prix du Canada 2023
- Grand Prix of Austria 2023
- Aramco Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of Italy 2023
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
- Grand Prix of Japan 2023
- Qatar Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of the United States 2023
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
- Rolex Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2023
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860