Shocking: Horner opens up on Perez MISTAKE as sack rumors continue…More
Horner opens up on Perez MISTAKE as sack rumors continue
Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner has admitted the team made a mistake in extending Sergio Perez’s contract early in the 2024 season, amid ongoing speculation about the Mexican driver’s future with the team.
Despite signing a deal through 2026, Perez is widely expected to be replaced this winter following a disappointing season.
Perez began the year strongly, securing four podium finishes in the first five races.
This form led Red Bull to extend his contract in hopes of maintaining his performance.
However, his results faltered dramatically in the latter half of the season, with Perez failing to secure another podium and scoring only 13 points across the final nine races.
He ended the season eighth in the drivers’ standings, a staggering 285 points behind teammate Max Verstappen.
Horner acknowledged the decision to extend Perez’s contract early didn’t pay off.
Speaking during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, he explained, “At the time, Sergio was performing extremely well, and we wanted to secure his focus and extend his form. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out as we hoped.”
Despite the underwhelming results in 2024, Horner praised Perez for his contributions to the team over the past four years.
He highlighted Perez’s role in securing constructors’ championships, winning five races with Red Bull, and helping the team achieve its most successful pairing, including a first- and second-place finish in the 2023 drivers’ championship.
Horner added that no one is more frustrated with the decline in results than Perez himself.
However, he emphasized Perez’s positive impact on the team and his popularity among team members.
Perez, who last won a race at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2023, has been significantly outperformed by Verstappen, who claimed 26 victories since then in the same car.
The disparity in results has fueled rumors about Perez’s potential replacement, with his future at Red Bull remaining uncertain despite his contract extension.
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