“Alfa isn’t at the level like AlphaTauri is” – Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has provided insight into the future of Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez.
Pierre Gasly seems to be a driver in demand after his impressive performances over the past two seasons. The latest rumors link him to Alfa Romeo, but Helmut Marko is having none of it, confirming Gasly will be driving for AlphaTauri next season.
“First of all there is a contract which goes for two more years so I don’t know where these Alfa stories are coming from. Secondly Alfa isn’t at the level like AlphaTauri is.
“We have two Formula 1 teams as everyone knows and we are putting quite a lot of effort in our brand, AlphaTauri, fashion brand, and we need a strong leader there.”
Who will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull in the long term?
Marko has also shed light on the long-term futures of Gasly and Sergio Perez in the Red Bull family.
While he confirmed that Gasly will either be promoted to Red Bull or let go after his AlphaTauri contract ends, he seemed to confirm Perez will continue as Verstappen’s partner next season at least, if not for the long-term.
“He is driving at his best, but being number one in a very good B-team is a very different story to being number two to Max Verstappen at a top team. Mentally that makes a big difference.
“We are looking at his progress, and in the next two years we will make a decision whether he’ll be on the free market or whether we’ll take him into Red Bull.
“Perez is 31 years now, so he won’t be too long [overall] in Red Bull Racing.”
