Christian Horner explains why Sergio Perez is so much slower than Max Verstappen

Perez was behind Verstappen by seven-tenths in the qualifying at Suzuka.

Christian Horner explains why Sergio Perez is so much slower than Max Verstappen

Sergio Perez and Christian Horner (Credits: PlanetF1)

Sergio Perez had a tough time at Suzuka, in contrast to his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen- who won the race-, which has raised concerns about his performance this season. He damaged two front wings and had two Did Not Finish (DNF) results in the race. Red Bull’s team leader, Christian Horner, talked about Perez’s struggle with confidence in his car.

He explained that Suzuka’s many high-speed corners require both speed and confidence, which Perez has been lacking lately. Despite these issues, Horner expressed his belief in Perez and confirmed that he will honor his contract with Red Bull until 2024.

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“Suzuka is a track on which you need to have great confidence with the rider to do well and Sergio is suffering especially in the high-speed corners… You could ask Max about the confidence he has, and the speed with which he can enter the corners in the fast ones. It was really impressive,” explained Horner, as per motorsport.com.

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After Perez’s first DNF this season, his second position in the WDC standings is looking to come under threat as Lewis Hamilton charges in from P3 with just 33 points to separate the two. As the season nears its end, Perez is running out of time to prove his worth to Red Bull if he wants to extend his contract beyond 2024.

Also read: Sebastian Vettel hints at a potential return to racing with Jota-Porsche at Le Mans

Sergio Perez’s father claims Perez is still an important personality of Formula One

Even though he had a solid start, Sergio Perez’s place with Red Bull comes under more and more threat with each Grand Prix as he has had a disastrous second half to the season. Perez’s father Antonio Perez, recently came to his son’s defense as he says that Perez is still very important to Formula One.

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez with his father Antonio Perez.
Red Bull driver Sergio Perez (R) with his father Antonio Perez (L). (Credits: Marca.com)

Talking about their Mexican origins, Perez’s father said that his son is the only Latin-American driver on the grid and still has many fans around the globe. Addressing Red Bull’s Singapore debacle, Antonio Perez said that the car was set up around Verstappen as the new updates did not help Red Bull in any way whatsoever.

“Today, Sergio Perez is the most solid driver in Formula 1. He is the only Latin American driver. Add to that how many are fans of him. Any brand in the world would be happy with a Checo Perez,” said Antonio Perez.

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