Horner sees Perez challenging Verstappen: 'His confidence is sky-high'

While it is commonly suggested that the bond between the Red Bull drivers has cooled solidly since last year's Brazilian Grand Prix, this is firmly denied by all involved. Moreover, Horner underlined prior to the Australian GP the importance of two drivers driving each other to even better performances.

Asked if we are currently seeing the best version of Perez so far, Horner replied cautiously in the affirmative, judging from the 'sample' of the first two races of the F1 season. However, he stressed that the Mexican also drove some great races last year. "You only have to think back to Singapore, for example, which was an outstanding victory for Checo," he said at the press conference in Melbourne.

Horner: 'Perez's confidence is sky-high'

"But, you know, he's done a great job in the first two races this year. His confidence is sky-high, and that's exactly what we want. We want two drivers that are going to be pushing and challenging each other," he added. Even after the Australian GP, in which Perez managed to get back to P5 from the pit lane, the Red Bull team boss was very appreciative of the current number two in the championship.

However, the 49-year-old Briton also stressed the importance of consistent results for his team. "I think the key thing is that over such a long season, it is a marathon, I think it's all going to be about consistency over the 23-race series. That's going to be the differentiator. He [Perez] has made a great start, and both drivers are pushing each other, which is what you want to see," Horner said.