Sergio Perez might only have the remaining races of the 2024 Formula 1 season left in his career and recent comments from Helmut Marko are unlikely to put confidence in his future. The Mexican suffered from a poor result at his home race last time out, finishing last of the classified runners in 17th following a shock early exit in qualifying. Perez was working his way through the field and managed to jump up to 12th place on the opening lap, but a collision with Visa CashApp RB driver Liam Lawson caused significant damage to his right sidepod.

There was another moment that also happened during the race that caught the attention of Helmut Marko, who branded it ‘incomprehensible’ writing in his latest Speedweek column. Sergio Perez starting position error branded ‘incomprehensible’ by Helmut MarkoPerez was the subject of an early investigation from the stewards for a false start on the grid, after the Mexican had pulled too far forward in his grid slot. He was subsequently handed a five-second time penalty, which was served during his first pit stop midway through the race.

Marko felt the error was avoidable considering his extensive experience in F1, and it is unlikely to help his cause for retaining his seat. “Sergio Pérez had a bad weekend in Mexico. We know that qualifying is not his strength, but an elimination in the first qualifying segment is very disappointing,” said Marko.

“That a man with his experience then puts the car wrongly in the start box is incomprehensible and extremely unfortunate. Because his start was sensational. For the starting offense ‘Checo’ received a five-second penalty.

”Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty ImagesSergio Perez costs Red Bull second in the Constructors’ ChampionshipPerez’s calamitous weekend comes amid pressure for him to step up as Red Bull fights for the Constructors’ Championship with Ferrari and McLaren, having now fallen behind the pair to third. A rumour has erupted in the days prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix that seemingly points to Perez potentially losing his seat before the race weekend.

Martin Brundle thinks he could face contractual issues after the agreement he reached with the team in June. But it is also believed that Perez breached the terms of his deal by falling too far behind Verstappen in the standings. For what its worth, Perez’s father responded to exit rumours this week on social media by telling fans to ‘don’t get confused’ in a cryptic message.