Helmut Marko reveals that parting company with an underperforming Sergio Perez didn't come cheap.

Having survived the summer break, when it was widely anticipated that he would be dropped, one would have thought that the Mexican would have raised his game, however the reality is that his performance only further deteriorated.

As the season came to its conclusion Perez insisted that he still had a contract for 2025 and would be in the car, but all that changed on December 18 when the Mexican announced his "departure" from the team.

It remains to be seen what he will do next, and while a 2025 seat is seemingly out of the question, there is talk of him returning in 2026, especially if Cadillac is given the final seal of approval.

While Red Bull has refused to reveal what it cost to terminate Perez' contract, Helmut Marko has admitted that it didn't come cheap.

Asked by Sport.de if the exit agreement was expensive, the Austrian initially said: "Taking into account the contract, it is an agreement that is acceptable to both parties."

Pushed harder on whether the agreement cost "many millions", Marko admitted: "We are talking about Formula 1 here, yes!"

Confirming the Mexican's belief that he would be in the Red Bull in 2025, Marko admits that Perez was confident of rediscovering his form.

"He always hoped to find his old form again," said the Austrian. "After all, he has won five grands prix with us and was once vice-champion.

"He did not find that form again and then it was judged that in this environment that resurgence is not going to come either and that a farewell was best," he added. "That also immediately opens up plenty of possibilities for the future."

While the tearing up of the contract will have cost "many millions", Perez also brought a number of majors sponsors on board and it is likely they will follow the Mexican once he finds a new berth.

Meanwhile, Marko has revealed that the much talked about exit clause in Max Verstappen's contract has been removed.

Contracted to Red Bull to 2028, as the Horner scandal threatened to tear the Austrian team apart last summer there was media speculation over Marko's future with the team. Verstappen, who was recruited to the team's young driver programme when 16, was quick to throw his support behind the veteran.

"I have a lot of respect for Helmut and what we have achieved together, it goes very far," said the world champion over the Jeddah race weekend. "Of course, my loyalty to him is very big and I've always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he's an important part in my decision-making for all the time in the future as well as within the team."

It was at this point that it was revealed that there was a clause in the driver's contract that would allow him to leave the team should Marko part company with it.

"I've known the Verstappens for quite some time now," the Austrian tells De Telegraaf. "The Verstappens are special, that's clear. And one thing is for sure, they are loyal. You can count on them.

"For me, of course, those words from Max were very nice. He is one of the greatest sportsmen in the world, earns a lot of money, but above all he sticks to his principles. That hasn't changed since he was fourteen years old."

Confirming that the 'Marko clause' has now been removed from Verstappen's contract, the Austrian said: "The clause was changed or removed to lay a foundation for a successful company for the near future."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by ffracer, 09/01/2025 1:35

"Unbelievable... spot on with the comments. So true, Kenji.

Dr. Helmut Marko will never cease... to disturb me. Like a lion seeking sympathy from gazelles for a few broken teeth, he has personally destroyed so many promising F1 careers - costing them more just than millions - that I could name at least 15 drivers that have gone on to some amazing careers. His method of hot oiled skillet mgmt with relentless, negative PR blasts should be outlawed.

Humble two cents: Sergio Perez excelled on the street courses but was compromised on the racetracks because of this labyrinth multi tunneled RB floor that lost so much downforce when Sergio went over the curbs. He kept it off the walls and kept his foot down when he had to (except Monaco lol). Please FIA, make the town tunnels simple... please. These floors are killing the racing.

Having said that, I am happy that Sergio Perez's loyalty and street racecraft was worth something that his dedicated mgnt was happy with in the end. His sponsors and legion of fans were legendary throughout this all... his all or nothing ridiculous outside lunge for the lead in Mexico hurt us all. Good luck SP on the next chapter. "

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2. Posted by kenji, 06/01/2025 12:53

"@Editor....Que?"

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3. Posted by Editor, 06/01/2025 9:25

"@ Kenji

We all saw what you did there..."

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4. Posted by kenji, 06/01/2025 1:23

"Just an added note re Hartley. Whilst he couldn't cut the mustard at Red Bull and was subsequently shuffled out he has proved on many occasions what a top driver he really is. Competing in the sportscar world/ WEC he's notched up quite few wins, including the LM epic, and is entitled to recognition as a true WC. Well done Brendon. Not all top drivers are suited to F1 as demonstrated on many occasions. As mentioned before the F1 system of WC's needs, IMO, to be redefined with only one WC championship being recognised. Both drivers of the winning team would then be WDC's. Only then can the series be true to the oft stated mantra that F1 is a team sport! It'll never happen though, which is a disappointing."

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5. Posted by kenji, 04/01/2025 3:11

"@Celtic Tiger...the very same query was also in my mind. IIRC the theory was that Perez's performances were affected by by his constant worry about his future so that by issuing a new contract an extension would eliminate his concerns and he could then concentrate and deliver better race performances. What a 'mistaka to maka'. Whoever signed off on that should receive serious counselling [ or the door ] for that costly error of judgement. That type of thinking is more suited to a rookie type of scenario but a well seasoned driver like Perez should've been able to cope with those pressures. Lawson will now have to perform if he's to avoid comparisons with Brendon Hartley."

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6. Posted by Celtic Tiger, 02/01/2025 21:01

"The cost of buying out the contract and the loss of sponsors is one thing but If one also considers the financial hit Red Bull took from dropping down to third in the constructors and the costs of repairs from Perez' many fumbles this year, then yes, this split cost them a lot indeed.

Some costs could have been avoided if they didn't renew his contract for 2025, I would be interested to know the thinking behind that one. Signing a new contract only to wipe yer a*se with it a few months later at the cost of X amount of millions puzzles me."

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Perez 'departure' cost Red Bull "many millions"

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