Dr Helmut Marko has acknowledged that the decision to extend Sergio Perez's contract was partly due to the preferences of "the Verstappens."
Current pressures are significantly high on both Perez, aged 34, and his team, Red Bull, as the Mexican driver encounters ongoing performance challenges shortly after his recent two-year contract extension was publicized.
Marko, a key F1 advisor for Red Bull, recognizes that Perez must improve his performance to assist the leading team in combating increasingly formidable competitors, particularly in the race for the constructors' world championship.
Yet, the 81-year-old Austrian also shared with Viaplay, "Sergio has a difficult life. He is Max (Verstappen)'s teammate, and has managed to stay upright for a few years now.
"We wanted stability and they work well together," noted Marko. "And I have already said that the Verstappens are not easy."
By mentioning 'Verstappens,' Marko is referring to Max's influential father, Jos, who significantly impacts the triple world champion's management and career and has been at odds with team leader Christian Horner throughout much of 2024.
"They (Max and Jos) wouldn't have agreed with every teammate," explained Marko.
For instance, while signing the high-performing but outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz for 2025 might have been strategically beneficial for Red Bull, it could have led to potential conflicts with Verstappen.
"Max wants a nice environment in which he can work," Marko insists. "He and Perez are equal on the technical side. Sergio doesn't dream of the title anymore. And it doesn't matter who sits next to Max, they will all be beaten anyway."
Marko acknowledged the struggles faced by Red Bull in 2024, marked by evident strife and political maneuvering within the team.
"These were not pleasant conditions," Marko admitted.
"But we found a way by focusing on the technical problems we had, so that we can still win a title for Max. That is above everything else. So in that sense we got everyone on the same page. We just have to win," he added.
Following publicized disputes between Jos and Horner last week in Austria, it is rumored that Horner and Marko also now rarely communicate.
When questioned, Marko responded, "As I said, we have to win, and that's what everyone has to contribute to.
"As for me, I'm old. I've been around for so long. I'm indestructible," he laughed.
"I have my opinion, and it's very similar to Max's. We have to make sure he can win as much as possible. I have a contract that runs until the end of 2026," the Austrian continued. "I intend to serve it out."
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