Horner answers whether Perez can continue to challenge Verstappen in 2023

Red Bull Racing is currently facing a luxury problem: the RB19 is dominant, but both drivers are competitive so far. Horner will not yet say whether Perez will be able to challenge his teammate during the season, but stresses that the Mexican has made his "best ever start to the season".

Can Perez continue to challenge Verstappen?

"Checo has had a fantastic start to the season. Two victories so far. The sprint race victory as well, and obviously a second place and a fifth place as well. So he's started the season stronger than he's ever done. And I think that, as we all know, confidence is a big thing in any sport. And Checo's confidence is sky high," said the Red Bull team boss.

He continued: "This championship is going to be a marathon and there'll be highs and lows to it along the way, I'm sure. But his challenge and the challenge for both drivers is maintaining consistency. And for sure, we're going to see these guys turn up [Mercedes] and Ferrari at some point. So it won't just be about our drivers."

Asked if Perez has changed anything about his driving style to become more competitive, Horner replied that he has 'not especially' seen the driver adjust anything. "I think certain circuits have always suited him. I mean, street circuits, he's always excelled at."

Horner, therefore, sees a challenge ahead for Perez: "As we move back into Europe, some of the more classic circuits, that's where I think he's going to need to take this and carry this confidence, which I believe he absolutely can do. But he's not driving particularly differently. I think this is his third year in the team. He's settled. He understands obviously how everything works. And yeah, he's in a good headspace right now," Horner said.