Red Bull F1 News: Christian Horner issues new Sergio Perez demand as star sweats on future

Sergio Perez

Horner issues new Perez demand as Red Bull star sweats on F1 future

The Mexican's dreadful run of form continued at last weekend's Singapore Grand Prix

Kevin McKenna

Friday 27 September 2024 10:53 Updated: 11:16

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has piled more pressure on Sergio Perez as the Mexican sweats over his Formula 1 future.

The 34-year-old has endured a miserable campaign so far, and currently finds himself eighth in the drivers' standings, almost 200 points behind team-mate Max Verstappen.

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His 10th-place result at last weekend's Singapore Grand Prix extended his run of races without a podium finish to 13.

Despite being rewarded with a new deal earlier this year, Perez has failed to improve his performances, scoring just 59 points since coming home third at April's China GP.

Sergio Perez has struggled to find form for Red Bull in 2024

The Mexican trails team-mate Max Verstappen by almost 200 points

Horner expects more from struggling star

His drop-off in form - coupled with Verstappen's recent struggles - have opened the door for McLaren to take over at the top of the constructors' standings.

The British outfit - spearheaded by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri - currently hold a 41-point advantage over the defending champions, and with six races to go, appear firm favourites to clinch a first title since 1998.

Horner has consistently backed his underperforming driver, but he has now delivered a fresh warning that the six-time race winner needs to show what he is capable of.

Christian Horner has consistently backed Perez despite his recent woes

“I think that we need to have two drivers firing on all cylinders," said Horner.

“Checo had a good weekend last weekend [in Azerbaijan]. He had a tough weekend this weekend.

"We need to put some weekends together where you can see where McLaren are putting two drivers on the podium - it’s those big points that really make a difference.

“So, you know, we need to make sure that Checo goes as far off the field as we can get it, in terms of finding the right direction.”

Red Bull Max Verstappen Christian Horner Daniel Ricciardo Sergio Perez Audi