Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko revealed he has spoken to Sergio Perez in the aftermath of the team’s decision to demoteNew Zealand racer Liam Lawson. The Mexican was released at the end of the 2024 season, despite having two years left on his contract, following a disappointing campaign for the Austrian team. Perez has been left without a drive for this season, although speculation persists he could land a seat with Cadillac F1 when they become the sport’s 11th team on the grid in 2026. Marko and Perez shared a somewhat tense relationship at times during their four-year association, but the 81-year-old powerbroker insists there is an amicable feeling between them after holding talks.

In an interview with Motorsport.com, Marko was asked if he had called Perez after swapping Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls. The Austrian veteran replied: “Yes. We talked about tequila.” When it was put to Marko that Perez might have had some “satisfaction in his voice”, he said: “I had a drink for him afterwards, and he had one for me. He’s involved in a tequila company.” During their conversation, Marko said Perez had promised to send him a bottle of his branded tequila - but only in his native land Mexico.

Marko was grilled further on Lawson’s demotion after just two races in Australia and China, which is significantly less time offered to predecessors Perez, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and 10-race driver Nyck de Vries. He went as far as rejecting the idea that the Kiwi, 22, is being demoted by moving to Racing Bulls and explained why they made the change.

“First of all, he's not being demoted. He's moving to Racing Bulls, which has a very competitive car, much easier to handle than the RB21,” Marko added. “The change happened after a start that I’d say was rather unfortunate. The third practice session in Australia was cancelled, and that’s where the problems began. That naturally affected Liam’s confidence. Unfortunately, things continued in China, which also had a sprint race. So again, only one practice session.”

Referencing Tsunoda, who finally makes his first Red Bull appearance after 92 races with their sister team, Marko added: “On the other hand, Yuki — strange as it may sound — is really strong in his fifth season now.

"As an overall personality, he’s physically much stronger, he appears very confident, and he’s delivered two excellent races.”

Tsunoda will step into the RB21 alongside Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, his home race, while Lawson partners Isack Hadjar for another stint with the Racing Bulls.