Christian Horner is confident that Sergio Perez can improve his current form. Despite signing a new contract extension with Red Bull last week, there has been little for Perez to celebrate. The 34-year-old continues to struggle, scoring just four points in the last three race weekends. This is obviously a concern for Red Bull, who are in a hotly contested Constructors battle.
It cannot be said that Perez’s current level of performance is much of a surprise. Although Red Bull comfortably claimed both Championships last year, this was largely thanks to Max Verstappen.
There was a 290-point gap between Perez and the Dutchman last season, which is significant, to say the least.
Evidently, if the team based in Milton Keynes wants to retain their crown, this kind of point discrepancy cannot be repeated in 2024.
To make things more difficult for Red Bull, the last few rounds indicate Mercedes could return to the front. Therefore, when Perez underperforms, he could find himself at the lower end of the points.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 09: Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Alpine F1 A524 Renault on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 09, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202406090575 // Usage for editorial use only //
Speaking after the Canadian GP, Christian Horner reiterated his belief in the Mexican driver:
“You see this with Checo time and time again. You think he’s on the ropes, and then he bounces back.
“He’s a tough racer, a tough character. It hurts him more than anyone else, and he’ll be determined to come back and show everybody the form we know he’s capable of – and the form he showed in the first four races of the year.
“The margins are fine, he knows what’s at stake. We need him performing at the top of his game.
“[In] the constructors’, we have three teams that are nipping at our heels. And you have to be firing on all cylinders.”
Obviously, Red Bull is working to improve Perez’s form. Without two drivers fighting at the front, it will be almost impossible to keep Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes behind.
Although the evidence suggests otherwise, the reigning Champions still believe the 34-year-old can come close to matching the efforts of his teammate.
