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Power struggle between Horner and Marko possible reason he is staying

Is Perez staying at Red Bull due to a power struggle? 'Horner the winner'

5 June at 11:00
Last update 5 June at 11:06
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    Sergio Perez's contract extension at Red Bull Racing was imminent. With this, a possible arrival of Carlos Sainz seems definitely off the table. Sky Sports journalist Craig Slater thinks Checo's contract extension may have to do with the internal power struggle within Red Bull Racing.

    Slater says that the general reaction at the Sky camp was disappointment.  "Speaking to a few people in the office when I got the news of this a few minutes in advance of the official release going out, there was a bit of disappointment that Carlos Sainz is not going to be opposite Max Verstappen. He had been holding out for this seat, my understanding from his representatives was that it had been hot and cold over the last few months. Red Bull seemed interested then they were a bit more detached again."

    Has the Red Bull power struggle caused Perez's extension?

    All year long there has been unrest within Red Bull. This started with Christian Horner's alleged transgressive behaviour towards a female employee of the team. It then became clear that Horner was engaged in a power struggle with Helmut Marko, who is normally in charge of the driver line-up of both Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB.

    Slater therefore thinks the power struggle is a key factor in Perez's renewal. "Interestingly the point of contact Sainz's negotiators had with Red Bull changed from Dr. Helmut Marko to Christian Horner himself, now is that a sign potentially that if there had been this internal power struggle at Red Bull Christian Horner has clearly emerged as the winner here."

    He continued: "Checo Perez amongst other things had been staunchly loyal to Christian Horner through all his issues at the start of this year so I think that's something that's going to be a big deal. Maybe it's as much a Horner choice. I think it certainly is  Christian Horner's choice. Maybe if Dr Marko had had the casting vote here might someone else have been in that seat opposite Verstappen."