Dr Helmut Marko has denied that Red Bull is “trying to put pressure” on Sergio Perez. Towards the end of the season, it became clear that the relationship – or the appearance of a relationship – between Max Verstappen and Perez was breaking down. Verstappen then suggested Perez was struggling to adjust to his de-facto number 2 role. “I’m not going to name names, but you have to accept your role,” the Dutchman said. However, top team official Marko said Australian Ricciardo has mainly been brought on board in a marketing role. “We must not forget that we are a very, very big team,” said the Austrian.

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