Red Bull backs Perez to have 'stronger Sundays' after 'messy' Imola

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has backed Sergio Perez to quickly recover from a 'messy' Emilia Romagna Grand Prix after a series of "frustrating" errors.

Perez started from a career-best second on the grid at Imola, only to finish in 12th following multiple off-track excursions and a 10-second penalty for overtaking under safety car conditions.

On the latter, which came after sliding off the track at Piratella, Horner shrugged the mistake off and insisted the Mecixan would flourish in future events

"That was unfortunate," he said of the safety car incident. "It was a shame because he had such a good Saturday that Sunday just didn't go his way. I'm sure he's going to have many more strong Sunday afternoons this season.

"In the race, it was a messier race for him. Obviously the mistake behind the safety car earlier on, the 10-second penalty, and then unfortunately the mistake behind the Ferraris at the restart was a shame because he could well have been on the podium as well.

"So frustrating not to have him up there, but he is finding his pace, finding his feet, and I'm sure he is going to have much stronger weekends ahead."

Perez was disappointed to not take a maiden pole position in qualifying, believing he made a mistake at the final corner of his fastest lap.

Horner, however, praised Perez for his efforts and suggested more was to come on Saturday's as he becomes accustomed to the RB16B.

"He had a very good day on Saturday," added Horner. "He was obviously frustrated to miss out on the pole. It's just seat time. It's consecutive sets of tyres that he ran in qualifying, and he did a good job."

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