Christian Horner highlights the value of consistent drivers, sparking speculation about Sergio Pérez’s position within the Red Bull team.
Christian Horner congratulated McLaren F1 on winning the Constructors’ Championship. The Red Bull team principal praised the team’s driver duos, as well as Ferrari’s, while also commending Max Verstappen’s efforts. A statement that directly targets Sergio Pérez and feels like an admission of an impending dismissal.
“First of all, we have to congratulate McLaren; it’s incredibly difficult to win a championship, and they didn’t lift their foot off the gas all season,” Horner said.
“Full credit to them; they deserve this trophy. For us, a season where we won nine races, more than any other team, and successfully defended the Drivers’ Championship equals an outstanding year. Max has been exceptional.”
“I think you can see the importance of having two drivers consistently scoring points in the Constructors’ Championship. Ferrari will be strong with their duo next year. McLaren has a solid team. Mercedes will have an inexperienced driver replacing Lewis. For us, it’s crucial that both our drivers perform and that there isn’t a significant gap.”
“The first thing to do is sit down with Checo.”
While Horner acknowledged Pérez’s good performances, negotiations will quickly follow: “Discussions will take place between Checo and the team. Now that the season is over, we will sit with him to reflect on the season, identify what went wrong, and collectively determine the right path forward.”
“Checo has been a great servant to this team. Looking back to that 2021 race, to his contribution to the Constructors’ Championships in 2022 and 2023, five race wins, and second in the Drivers’ Championship last year—he’s done a lot for this team. We’ll sit down and reflect on this season and how we move forward.”
With Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Isack Hadjar available to complete the Red Bull and Racing Bulls driver lineups, Horner is in no rush to decide the future and wants to address the situation with Pérez first: “There’s no urgency. We have all the options internally.”
“I think the first thing to do is sit down with Checo and have that conversation now that the season is over. All I can confirm is that, while there is obviously a lot of speculation, we will be the ones to provide the information.”
Horner Highlights “Motivation and Determination”
As he reflected on the past year, Horner expressed gratitude to Red Bull’s partners, fans, and drivers: “It’s been a long season with 24 races, and none of this would have been possible without the hard work of everyone, both here at the track and back in Milton Keynes.”
“Their continued motivation and determination throughout the year have been relentless, as has the support from all our partners. Without them, none of this would be possible, and we are extremely grateful for everything they bring and what we continue to build together.”
“I also want to extend a special thank you to Honda for their consistency and contribution. I’d like to thank our fans as well—it’s because of them that we’re here, and that’s why we race. There simply wouldn’t be F1 without them.”
“Lastly, a special thanks to Max and Checo. Their hard work and perseverance throughout the campaign didn’t always yield the results they deserved, but they remained committed and determined every step of the way.”
“We’ll look to recharge over the coming months ahead of 2025 and can’t wait to return to the fight once again. Thank you all, and we wish you a joyful holiday season and a successful New Year!”
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Red Bull’s Horner Questions Pérez’s Future in Team Red Bull’s Horner Questions Pérez’s Future in Team
