Red Bull "need" Perez to continue hot streak in Mexico

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has explained the team 'need Sergio Perez' delivering at every race if it is to overthrow Mercedes in the championship battle.

Mercedes heads the constructors' championship by 23 points with just five races remaining this season but for the first time since the Belgian Grand Prix washout, Red Bull outscored Mercedes in the United States Grand Prix.

A key factor in this was the performance of Perez, who battled a stomach bug and was without a drink all race to score a second consecutive podium result at Austin having secured his first podium since the French Grand Prix at Istanbul Park.

“I think confidence," said Horner when asked of what the key to the Mexican's upturn in form had been.

Asked what was the key to the Mexican's upturn in form, Horner replied: "I think confidence.

"I think it has been coming for the last few races. At Monza he was strong, Sochi he was strong. He should have been on the podium at both of those races.

“He had a strong Istanbul and he was on the pace all the way through this weekend so I think it’s just confidence. We need him delivering at this time of the year which is a great result for him.”

Perez started the year attempting to best understand the Red Bull by following a similar set-up to team-mate and championship leader Max Verstappen.

In recent races, however, Perez has found his own direction with the car with the results backing his preferences.

“I think we’re managing to find a set-up that works for him and managing to optimise the car around his style a little more," explained Horner.

“I think there are some important races coming up so we need him doing what he did here.”

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