Horner doesn't understand criticism of Perez: 'You always write him off'

Sergio Perez is pushing hard in an attempt to secure his Formula 1 seat at Red Bull Racing again next year. Helmut Marko even stated that the Mexican is having his best season ever for the Austrian team. Team boss Christian Horner is also full of praise for Perez's changed approach.

Horner doesn't understand the criticism of Perez

When asked by Sky Sports what the key is to Perez's turnaround, Horner replied, "You guys have a tendency to write him off, but he's doing a great job and I think that he's coming this season with a new frame of mind and he's relaxed, he's driving the car really well and he's not focusing on his teammate.

It's a different approach and I think in the first five races, you know, we've seen a really strong performance from him. He's driving well, and his confidence is growing. I hope that he can convert that into another good result tomorrow." The Red Bull team boss added.

Perez's progress is a combination of hard work by the driver, but also by his team, Horner stressed. "He's an important part of the team. It's about working collectively and I think he's got great engineering support around him and the team is doing a good job. He feels comfortable, you know, in the team," the 50-year-old Briton continued.

"He knows he's out of contract at the end of this season. So he's driving for his future and he responds to pressure in the best possible way. I think you see that with certain drivers responding to pressure," said Horner, who saw a different version of 'Checo' after the winter than the 'Checo" of last year. "He changed a few things in his approach. I think he's driving well." Said the Red Bull team boss.