F1 News: Christian Horner admits Red Bull 'change' with Sergio Perez

Sergio Pérez and Christian Horner in the paddock in China — Photo: © IMAGO

Chinese Grand Prix

Horner admits Red Bull 'change' with Perez

Christian Horner explains how the safety car ruined Perez's race whilst praising the driver for changes.

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Sunday 21 April 2024 19:57

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Christian Horner has claimed that the appearance of a safety car ruined Sergio Perez’s race, but insisted the driver has 'changed' from last season.

Perez displayed poor form in comparison to team-mate Max Verstappen during the 2023 season, failing to finish second to him let alone beat the Dutchman.

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The pressure increased for Perez when Daniel Ricciardo was introduced back into F1, with rumours he could replace him at Red Bull if he performed well.

However, so far in 2024 Ricciardo has demonstrated a lack of form, whilst Perez has secured three 1-2 finishes for the team.

Sergio Perez finished behind Lando Norris in China

Red Bull have secured three 1-2s so far this season

Horner praises Perez changes

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race Red Bull boss Christian Horner described why Perez missed out on P2.

“We went into the race on a reasonably aggressive two-stop and the safety car timing couldn’t have been worse for us, particularly for Checo because we had to stop again to effectively converge on strategy with Ferrari and McLaren to the end of the race.

“That dropped Checo on track position behind Lando and Charles, and it took him quite a bit of time to get past Charles which probably took quite a bit out of his tyres.

“By the time he’d cleared Charles, his tyres probably weren’t in the best of shape to hunt down Lando, who had great pace today. Nonetheless, another very strong weekend from Checo to get that double podium.”

Christian Horner praises a more confident Sergio Perez

Describing what has ‘changed’ for Perez since his slump last year, Horner believes his confidence has increased.

“I think he’s just in a different mindset. His confidence is high, he’s not obsessing about Max and the other car and what they’re doing, he’s more relaxed, he’s enjoying his racing and he’s just doing his own thing and reacting to the car he’s got.

“I think that change in mindset and approach had definitely put him in a much better position in what we’ve seen so far this year.”