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.
