Helmut Marko holds Sergio Perez talks after Red Bull axe his F1 replacement

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko revealed he has spoken to Sergio Perez in the aftermath of the team’s decision to demoteNew Zealand racer Liam Lawson. The Mexican was released at the end of the 2024 season, despite having two years left on his contract, following a disappointing campaign for the Austrian team. Perez has been left without a drive for this season, although speculation persists he could land a seat with Cadillac F1 when they become the sport’s 11th team on the grid in 2026. Marko and Perez shared a somewhat tense relationship at times during their four-year association, but the 81-year-old powerbroker insists there is an amicable feeling between them after holding talks.

In an interview with Motorsport.com, Marko was asked if he had called Perez after swapping Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls. The Austrian veteran replied: “Yes. We talked about tequila.” When it was put to Marko that Perez might have had some “satisfaction in his voice”, he said: “I had a drink for him afterwards, and he had one for me. He’s involved in a tequila company.” During their conversation, Marko said Perez had promised to send him a bottle of his branded tequila – but only in his native land Mexico.

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