Horner addresses Perez situation: 'You are the only ones saying that'
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- Toby McLuskie
The rumour mill just won't stop turning around Sergio Perez's position at Red Bull Racing, no matter how adamantly a possible early departure is denied by both the team and the drivers involved. Speaking to Bloomberg, Horner discusses the Mexican driver's situation.
Horner addresses Perez situation
Ever since a rumour - which may or may not have existed - caused a stir in the Formula 1 paddock, speculation was rife as to what it related to. It was soon thought to be about a driver change between Red Bull and Aston Martin, with Fernando Alonso ending up in the seat next to Max Verstappen. Alonso was furious about the rumours and Red Bull also firmly denied the reports.
Even now Horner assures again that it is really Perez who will form the line-up with Verstappen next year at the Austrian team. Of any question marks about that line-up, therefore, the Red Bull team boss wants to know nothing. "The only people who keep putting the question marks are you guys," he says when asked the question again. "We keep repeating that Checo's gonna be our driver next year."
He continues: "He has had a tough six weeks but he started to refine his form. I thought the race that he drove in in Sao Paulo was very strong. His race in Austin was strong and, you know, he's finding his form again. He's second in the world championship, he is over 30 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton with two races to go. Let's see what he can do over these next couple of races, but he will be our driver alongside Max in 2024."
Will Perez get help from Verstappen?
Horner was also asked if he expects Verstappen to help his teammate secure second place in the F1 championship. "No, I don't think he'll need the help from Max, to be honest with you. I think he just needs to finish either ahead or just behind Lewis this weekend to secure that second position," Horner said.