Horner: Perez has the most difficult job in F1 against “relentless” Verstappen.
In 2023, Sergio Perez found it difficult to keep up with Max Verstappen, and his manager Christian Horner was unsure that any driver could match the Dutchman.
Christian Horner believes that Sergio Perez has the toughest job in Formula 1 as he endeavors to match the performance of Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
Despite a strong start to the 2023 season, Perez struggled as Verstappen secured 17 wins in the final 18 races, accumulating a record 575 championship points. Perez finished as the runner-up with 285 points, sparking questions about his long-term future at Red Bull due to a series of poor performances. With Perez’s contract set to expire at the end of 2024, Horner emphasized the mental toughness required to compete with three-time World Champion Verstappen.
According to Horner, dealing with Verstappen’s relentless pace and high-level performance demands a specific strength of character, and the mental strength of a driver is crucial in such a competitive environment. He highlighted specific moments during the season, particularly the races in Miami and Monaco, where Perez faced challenges that tested his confidence and resilience.
