Marko makes striking revelation about Perez's contract demands

Helmut Marko has indicated that Red Bull is not prepared to meet Sergio Perez's demands for a three-year contract renewal.

The Mexican's current deal expires at the end of the 2024 season, with numerous contenders angling to be given the seat alongside Max Verstappen for '25.

Perez has started the season strongly with four podiums from the five races to sit second in the Drivers' behind Verstappen as he and his team continue negotiations with motorsport advisor Marko to extend his stay into a potential fifth season at Red Bull.

However, the veteran Austrian has suggested that Perez's initial demands will not be met.

"We are not yet in a position to finalise everything," Marko told Motorsport.NL.

"But it has nothing to do with regulations, he knows he has to perform.

"First he wanted a three-year contract, but we will find a solution."

What does Perez say?

After the Japanese GP, Perez spoke about believing his future would be decided imminently, within a month of the Suzuka race.

Those comments were put to Red Bull boss Christian Horner by RacingNews365 in China.

Horner suggested that Perez's timeline was not one that the team was going to follow, saying: "We're in a situation where we're very happy with our two drivers, but don't need to make a decision until much later in the year.

"Max is on a long-term contract, and Checo is out of contract, but driving exceptionally well so far this season.

"Sergio of course would like to make an announcement tomorrow undoubtedly, but we as a team aren't in a particular rush.

"But as I say, at this point in time, we're very happy with the line-up that we have, so there is no imminent rush to announce the full driver line-up for 2025."