Sergio Perez's new Red Bull deal seals remarkable Helmut Marko U-turn in no time at all

Helmut Marko signed off on Sergio Perez's new Red Bull contract not long after raising caution over the driver's extension. Red Bull announced on Tuesday that Perez, 34, has put pen to paper on a fresh two-year agreement, tying him to the reigning champions until 2026.

But it was only recently that Marko, 81, suggested he was hesitant to award Perez a longer-term deal for fear it could lead to complacency. It's not uncommon for Formula 1 drivers to sign rolling one-season contracts in their more advanced years, but Perez's new agreement gives him more security.

The Mexican has proved a worthy partner to Max Verstappen, whose three consecutive world championships overlap with Perez's move to Milton Keynes in 2021. However, it was earlier this season that Marko appeared to suggest he was not inclined to hand the deputy driver a new multi-year deal.

"If he has a secure contract for two years, there is a risk that he will slack off," said the Austrian of the Perez contract situation in April. Marko was speaking after Perez placed second at the Japanese Grand Prix, one of four podium finishes in his first five races of the season.

It's notable the extension announcement has come following a drop-off in on-track results since then. Red Bull's deputy driver is currently on a run of three race finishes outside the top three, including an early retirement at the Monaco GP last time out.

That being said, there can be no arguing against the notion that Perez joining Red Bull has been a general positive for the team. The former Racing Point and Force India driver has helped propel Verstappen's career to new heights, recording season finishes of fourth, third and second since coming to the Dutchman's side a little more than three years ago.

It's not the first time Marko has come down hard on 'Checo', only to have an apparent change in heart. It was back in September 2023 that the motorsport legend apologised after suggesting a dip in results was down to Perez's ethnicity.

Marko had suggested Perez was "not as completely focused in his head" as the likes of Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel because he was "South American" (Mexico is in fact part of North America). He later issued a statement saying sorry for the "offensive remark," clarifying he knew it was"wrong to attribute this to his cultural heritage."

Perez currently sits fifth in the drivers' standings, which are looking a lot more competitive this season. The last three races have been won by three different drivers, with McLaren's Lando Norris triumphing in Miami before Ferrari ace Charles Leclerc finished first in Monaco.

In any case, Red Bull will be happy to have clarity over their line-up in what is proving to be a volatile time for F1 regarding the future of certain drivers. Perez will hope to keep the team content with more on-track success and prove any fears of complacency were misplaced.