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Horner defends Perez and turns confrontational question to journalist
- Estéban den Toom
Christian Horner hit back hard at critics on Friday of the Dutch Grand Prix. After the two practice sessions at Zandvoort, the team principal was asked about Sergio Perez, but he defended his driver.
Sergio Perez came no further than 12th on the timesheet during the second free practice for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, after it was announced that he will remain with the team following the break. There was much criticism of the driver with number 11 on his car for not matching Verstappen's performance, and often being too far away from the reigning world champion on the timesheet.
Horner defends Perez
Incidentally, Verstappen also failed to move beyond fifth place during the second free practice session. The McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were faster than the RB20. After Horner was asked why he gave Perez more time in the Red Bull, the English team boss responded
"Who would you put in?", Horner responded to a question about his driver on Sky Sports. "We know that the beginning of the year he was scoring, he went for podiums in five races and if we can get him back into… I think he's just had a lack of confidence and has ended up in a bit of a spiral. I think he's had a bit of a reset, hopefully over the summer break."
About Perez's chances at the Zandvoort track however, Horner remained less optimistic. "Zandvoort hasn't been his best circuit. So of the four races coming up before the next mini break, I would say this is his most, most challenging one."
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi
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