{"id":32301,"date":"2023-10-13T11:57:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T10:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/formula1news.co.uk\/?p=32301"},"modified":"2023-10-13T02:39:17","modified_gmt":"2023-10-13T01:39:17","slug":"red-bull-make-damning-sergio-perez-admission-as-rival-drivers-praised","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/formula1news.co.uk\/red-bull-make-damning-sergio-perez-admission-as-rival-drivers-praised\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Bull make damning Sergio Perez admission as rival drivers praised"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has openly acknowledged the critical importance of maintaining harmony and competitiveness within the team as Formula 1’s fierce competition intensifies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secures his third consecutive world championship title with a dominant win at the Qatar Grand Prix, Sergio Perez’s struggles become increasingly evident, prompting concerns within the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the recent Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen showcased his prowess once again, clinching his 14th victory in 17 races this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, his teammate, Sergio Perez, had a challenging weekend, finishing a distant 10th, over 80 seconds behind Verstappen, and incurring three five-second time penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Describing Perez’s performance as “horrible,” Horner pointed out that the Mexican driver now trails Verstappen by a substantial 208 points in the championship standings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He remarked, “I think with a car like we have, he’s probably putting that pressure on himself.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horner emphasised the team’s primary goal of securing both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, a feat they have already achieved this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horner went on to express the desire to see both Red Bull drivers finishing at the top, as is the case with rival teams like Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noted, “You can see Mercedes have a pair, McLaren have a pair, Ferrari have a pair that are quite tight between the respective drivers.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Red Bull enjoyed a similar situation earlier in the season, it has become more variable as the year progressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The team principal stressed the urgency of getting Sergio Perez back to his best form, acknowledging the tightening competition from other teams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perez is contracted with Red Bull until 2024, and Horner emphasised that his performance must improve to ensure Red Bull maintains its competitive edge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horner remarked, “The frustration is that we know what Checo has been capable of doing.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lewis Hamilton warned about new #Mercedes<\/a> contract https:\/\/t.co\/5BAzbm1wMz<\/a><\/p>— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) October 1, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>