Horner keeps faith in Perez: 'Can get closer to Verstappen'

For Sergio Perez, 2023 was a challenging season. It started promisingly with two wins in the first four Grands Prix, but then things went wrong. Perez expressed his desire to become world champion, and from then on, the Red Bull driver did not win a single race. This was a big contrast to Verstappen, who won a total of 19 out of 22 races in 2023.

What went wrong for Perez

"What we saw at the beginning of the year – if you think back to Azerbaijan and Saudi and Bahrain and the early-season races – he was phenomenal. Even in Monza, he drove a great race," Horner said in a conversation with Racefans.net.

"We know what Checo’s capable of, he know what the expectations are – and he’s driving against a generational talent. And that is tough. That’s very tough. But he gets exactly the same opportunity afforded to him as Max. He’s aware of that. And I think that we just need to see him operating at a more consistent level throughout next year across 24 races." Asked if Horner really believes Perez is capable of doing that, the Brit replied: "I think he can do it."

For Perez, 2024 is a key year. The Mexican's contract expires at the end of 2024, and there are plenty of interested drivers for the spot alongside Max Verstappen. Red Bull will, therefore, be in no hurry to extend Perez's contract. Indeed, with 14 contracts expiring at the end of 2024, the world champions have plenty of choice.