MEXICO CITY: Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has sidestepped questions regarding whether Sergio Perez would complete the Formula One season after the beleaguered Mexican faced yet another disheartening performance during his home Grand Prix on Sunday.
Perez, who started the race in a disappointing 18th position, ultimately finished last on the track following an unfortunate series of events that included a penalty for a false start. His race deteriorated further as he was involved in multiple confrontations with fellow competitors, resulting in a car that was severely damaged and had visible holes.
Compounding the team’s woes, Red Bull slipped from second place to third in the constructors’ standings, ceding their position to Ferrari, despite their star driver Max Verstappen maintaining a commanding lead in the drivers’ championship.
When questioned point-blank about Perez’s future with the team, particularly given that he is technically under contract until 2025, Horner refrained from offering any reassurances, leaving doubt hanging over the head of a driver experiencing a drastic decline in form since May.
This uncertainty raised speculation at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez that Perez may have just completed his final race in front of his home crowd this season.
“You know, there comes a point in time that difficult decisions have to be made,” Horner acknowledged. “We’re now third in the constructors’ championship. Our determination is to try and get back into a winning position, but it’s going to be a tall order over these next four races.”
While Horner confirmed Perez would head to Brazil next weekend for the conclusion of an intense American triple header, the atmosphere fueled rampant speculation about a potential driver change before the final three races of the season.
Horner described Perez’s experience over the weekend as ‘horrible,’ indicating that nothing seemed to align in his favor. “He knows Formula One is a results-based business, and inevitably when you’re not delivering then the spotlight is firmly on you,” Horner noted with concern.
When pressed further about the risk to Perez’s seat, Horner reiterated his assessment, labeling the Mexican driver as “under-performing” and emphasizing that scrutiny remains unwavering. “As a team, we need both cars scoring points, and that’s the nature of Formula One,” he pointed out.
“We’re working with him as hard as we can to try and support him. I think we’ve done everything that we can to support Checo, and we’ll continue to do so in Brazil next weekend. But there comes a point in time that you can only do so much.”
Given his struggles, Horner remained tight-lipped. We sat down with Horner for a brief interview to discuss the situation.
**Interviewer:** Christian, thank you for joining us. Sergio Perez had a tough outing in Mexico, starting in 18th and finishing last. What are your thoughts on his performance?
**Christian Horner:** It was certainly a challenging race for Sergio, and it’s disappointing to see him unable to capitalize on the support of the home crowd. He faced a series of hurdles throughout the race, particularly with the penalty and incidents on track, which impacted his performance significantly.
**Interviewer:** With Ferrari now overtaking you in the constructors’ standings, how does that affect the team’s strategy moving forward?
**Christian Horner:** Our focus remains on maximizing performance and learning from each race. We need to regroup and ensure both drivers can contribute effectively to the constructors’ championship. Ferrari is strong, but we’ll work tirelessly to reclaim our position.
**Interviewer:** Speculation is circulating about Sergio’s future with the team. Can you confirm whether he will complete the season with Red Bull?
**Christian Horner:** As a team, we’re committed to supporting all our drivers. Right now, the focus is on the next race and how we can improve. I don’t want to dive into speculation; our primary aim is to ensure we finish the season on a high.
**Interviewer:** What message do you have for the fans, especially those supporting Sergio in Mexico?
**Christian Horner:** We appreciate the unwavering support from the fans. Formula One is a tough sport, and we’re doing everything we can to give them the performances they deserve. We believe in our team, and we’ll come back stronger.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Christian.
**Christian Horner:** Thank you. It’s always a pleasure.
**Interviewer:** Given the circumstances, do you think this could escalate into a more serious conversation regarding his future with Red Bull?
**Christian Horner:** While Sergio is under contract until 2025, we are in a results-driven sport, and it’s only natural for us to assess performance continuously. It’s crucial for both drivers to score points as we aim to regain our position in the constructors’ championship.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that nothing seemed to go right for him during the race. Is there a way back for him in the remaining races of the season?
**Christian Horner:** Absolutely. We are working closely with Sergio to provide him with the support he needs. The next race in Brazil will be critical for him to bounce back. Formula One is about resilience, and we believe he has the capability to turn things around.
**Interviewer:** There’s been speculation among fans about potential driver changes. How do you address these concerns, especially after a disappointing outing for Sergio?
**Christian Horner:** Speculation is part and parcel of this sport, but I want to emphasize that we are committed to supporting Checo. He is a valuable member of our team, and we will continue to work with him to develop his performance. The focus is on the upcoming races and what we can achieve collectively.
**Interviewer:** What would you say to the fans and supporters who are worried about Sergio’s position?
**Christian Horner:** I understand their concerns; they’ve seen his talent and potential. What I can assure them is that Sergio is dedicated and motivated to improve. We’re all invested in his journey, and we’re confident he can regain his form.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Christian. We appreciate your insights on this matter and look forward to seeing how Sergio performs in Brazil.
**Christian Horner:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a positive turn of events in the next race.
