Christian Horner doesn’t want a Senna-Prost situation at Red Bull with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, says ‘two alphas is always difficult to manage’
Redbull's Christian Horner wants to avoid a Senna-Prost-like heat up between Max Verstappen And Sergio Perez at all cost.

During the scenes unfolding at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, everyone got to witness a lot of drama on and off the race track. However Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner is more concerned about the potential challenges that could arise from having two exceptional drivers like Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in the same squad. He stated that he does not wish for the team’s situation to mirror the infamous Senna-Prost rivalry of the past.
A quick history lesson reminds us that Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were always at each others’ necks in a fierce competition, despite belonging to the same team. This had led to an intense and sometimes problematic relationship in McLaren at that time. Sergio Perez has struggled to match Max Verstappen’s success, who won eight consecutive Grands Prix in the same Red Bull car. Horner believes that managing “two alphas” – referring to dominant and assertive personalities – can be an arduous task.
The seasoned Team Principal has proven his ability to lead the team to success in the past, and his insights into managing driver dynamics are invaluable. Horner’s hands-on approach to nurturing a healthy team environment serves as a foundation for Red Bull Racing’s continued pursuit of greatness. Speaking of managing Checo and Max in the same team, he said, “Well, they got pretty sparky between the two of them. And two alphas is always a difficult one to manage. So it was nice to watch that one from the sidelines.”
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Team Principal Acknowledges Challenges in Managing Two Strong Personalities

As the 2023 Formula 1 season progresses, fans and experts will keep a close eye on the Verstappen-Perez dynamic, hoping that the team can avoid the pitfalls of the past and find a formula for success. Christian Horner’s guidance and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in steering Red Bull Racing towards victory while maintaining a harmonious team atmosphere.
After today’s race, Horner, wisely cautions against the Senna-Prost path, encouraging his drivers, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, to work together harmoniously. By promoting open communication and respect, Horner aims to maintain a positive team dynamic that will enhance the team’s chances of securing championship titles in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
In case you missed it:
- Helmut Marko blames Sergio Perez’s lack of self-confidence for his failure to capture podium every weekend
- Oscar Piastri claims McLaren is the second-fastest car on the grid behind Red Bull