“I think he’s old enough and wise enough to come to his own conclusions” : Christian Horner on Sergio Perez’s chances of leaving after Red Bull crash out of constructor’s title
Competing against Max Verstappen is obviously difficult, but having Max Verstappen on your team can prove to be a different type of pain after all. And that is one of the reasons why Sergio Perez is currently struggling with Red Bull.
After yet another difficult weekend in Qatar, the Mexican was unable to finish the Grand Prix, leading Red Bull, who were the constructor’s championship holders for two consecutive years, to miss out on the title completely. It will now only be decided between Ferrari and McLaren, with the latter in the lead ahead of the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi
While Max Verstappen has won his fourth consecutive world championship, this leaves Sergio Perez in a difficult position. Currently eighth in the standings, the Mexican started off the season relatively well, but his recent performances have hindered the overall team’s chances for a treble of constructor’s titles, and questions have started to arrive if Mexican will attempt to leave or not.
Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Christian Horner has recently addressed his point of view on how things are with the team, including Sergio Perez’s unconfirmed future.
“First of all, we’ve won nine Grands Prix this year to five of any other team, now, all of those nine have come from Max [Verstappen], whereas every other team has split between two drivers.” Horner said when asked about Sergio Perez.
“And I think to be third – we’ve still got half a chance of second but it’s a massively long shot – we are out of the constructors’ and that’s very frustrating because that’s obviously where the financial revenues are distributed from.”
“Now, it does give us more wind tunnel time if you look it glass half full with the new regulations coming in ’26. It does give us more wind tunnel time to accommodate those new regs.” the Briton added.
“Checo has been a wonderful driver for us” : Christian Horner
The RB20 is not the easiest to drive even for the pros, but the difference in class between the Dutchman and the Mexican has been highly visible this season, and maybe Perez is not the right fit for now and the future if things progress like this.
Christian Horner also lauded the Mexican on helping Red Bull claim the constructor’s title 2022 and 2023, while also immensely contributing in Verstappen’s maiden world championship in 2021. Even though the Briton did not directly address that Sergio Perez is on the exit ramp for Red Bull next season, his comments were enough to hint that the Mexican is more out than in currently.
“Checo has been a wonderful driver for us, certainly in ’21, ’22, ’23,” Horner added. “He contributed to Max’s championship in ’21, constructors’ championships in ’22 and ’23.” the 51-year-old said.
“And, most of all, he’s a great guy and he’s not enjoying the situation he’s in at the moment. He knows the pressures of this business and we are going to give him all the support we can to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi next weekend and what he decides to do, that will be his decision at the end of the day.”
“I think he’s old enough and wise enough to come to his own conclusions but there is still a race to go so let’s get to the end of Abu Dhabi and see where we are at,” Horner suggested.
Although nothing official yet, but after an overall tough year and poor individual form for the Mexican, recent reports have now widely suggested that the 34-year-old is set to leave Red Bull, and the Abu Dhabi GP will be his last race with the brand.
