The key request from Sergio Perez in a new contract from Red Bull surrounds it🔜s length, Helmut Marko says.

Perez is into the final year of his deal as Max Verstappen’s tea🧸mmate and remains under scrutiny.

Despite red-hot form to begin the F1 2024 season, his future is constantly a topic o🐈f debate as other candidates are touted to replace him.

“As 💛long as Checo is in such good form as he is now, and he comes with reasonable conditions for an extension, there is actually nothing against him,” Red Bull’s Marko told .

Marko was asked what de๊mands Perez is making, and whether the driver woul🅷d even have to pay the team to secure his desired drive.

Marko denied this, and said: “In fac🍌t, he even brings Mexican sponsors with him.

“His demands are more a🎀bout the length of th🅠e contract.”

Perez, n🤡ow 34, is in his fourth year at Red Bull so a lengthy contract would take him into his late-30s.

I🅷t would also take him into the new era of F1 regulations which begin in 2026.

By contrast, Carlos Sainz - one ♛of the obvious options to replace Perez - is five years younge🦄r.

So Red Bull mus🍒t consider whether they are just investing in the results that Perez is delivering now, or the driver he will become as he gets older.

This season, the Mexican has scored three P2 finishes behind Verstappen to g💃ive his team their dream result.

Last we🌃ekend he was third at the Chinese Grand Prix.

His contr𒁃ol over the RB20 is arguably more impressive because the car is set up to Verstappen’s genius.

“Max always♓ goes for the fastest s🌞etup,” Marko said.

“Of course, this isn't always easy to drive.

“When a car is fast, it is restless and toxic. This is where the driving ﷺskills come into play.

“That's why Max is always the fastest in the qualifying sessi🧸ons.”

Verstappen’s own future re🤪mains up for discussion, with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff irking Red Bull last week in China by implying the F1 champion is on the market.

Christia🅰n Horner responded by insisting Verstappen is unavailable.

He reportedly has a clause in his contract 📖allow💖ing him to leave if Marko also exits.

“Max will drive where he has the best car and he has that at Red Bull💙,” Marko insisted.

“Nothing else is on the horizon.”