15:09 – Sergio Perez says he still sees Red Bull Racing on paper as an option for the upcoming Formula 1 season, although he does not want to confirm or deny that he is in talks with the energy drinks giant. Perez does let it be known that he cannot wait too long for a decision by Red Bull about the driver line-up.
With the confirmation that George Russell will stay with Williams, the options for Perez are limited. Haas is still a potential destination, although the Mazepin family also has good cards in hand for the seat next to (most likely) Mick Schumacher thanks to the necessary bucks. Red Bull is a little higher in the pecking order by the troops of Guenther Steiner and is also a possible option for Perez due to the persistent struggle of Alexander Albon. Helmut Marko and Christian Horner, for example, have already indicated that they will look outside their own training program, should it prove necessary to replace Albon.
The gaze is therefore mainly focused on Nico Hülkenberg and Perez. Horner said from Portimao that both drivers ‘can probably wait for a decision from Red Bull’, although Perez emphasizes from Imola that the wait should not be too long. “This is a thin dividing line. At a certain point you can of course take a risk, wait longer and then see what happens. But now the end of this season is approaching and then it is important for teams and drivers to know what will happen. I’m currently looking at all my options and can’t wait too long “, he responds to a question from Motorsport.com.
Few options left for 2021
Perez does not want to sit back endlessly and thumbs up for a decision by Red Bull, but hey: is he in talks with Helmut Marko and his associates at all? “I do not rule out Red Bull. Until that place is formally given, they remain an option. That actually applies to any team that has not yet confirmed the line-up for next year. But the clock is ticking and very few remain. options left to stay on the grid, “he reiterates the urgency.
If it does come to an agreement with Red Bull, Perez will have to compete against Max Verstappen in his own ranks. Does the Mexican want to settle as second driver? “I haven’t really thought about that yet. I think you only get a status as number two on the asphalt. To be honest, I would be very surprised if there was only one team in the Formula 1 world that already came in. immediately says that you are number two. Of course I don’t know exactly how things work within Red Bull, but that would surprise me. “
With the cooperation of Christian Nimmervoll
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