‘Can’t Keep Both Drivers Happy’: Christian Horner Sets Expectations Clear for Max Verstappen & Sergio Perez

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But what happens within Red Bull becomes the headline of F1 town. From Max Verstappen‘s 3rd World Championship to Sergio Perez’s turbulent season, the Milton Keynes outfit experienced it all. Both drivers were consistent in their own way – Verstappen, winning races, and Perez, unfortunately losing his foothold. Team Boss Christian Horner backed both his drivers nonetheless. But the expectations going forward are set in stone.

Notice it or not, there’s always a not-so-silent battle going on between F1 teammates – For pole positions, race wins, and ultimate glory. Max Verstappen clearly came out on top in 2023 and Perez just couldn’t match up. In such cases, teams (unintentionally or intentionally) slowly tilt towards the driver, performing better. And Christian Horner’s recent statements in Sky Sport’s special interview hosted by English Cricket legend, Nasser Hussain, capture the very essence of this battle.

Horner said, “It’s important for drivers to know what the expectation from them is. If you end up with 2 Alphas in a team, it is inevitable they will fight and that will be divisive. At some point in time, in a race, in a championship, there is a decision that’ll need to be taken where there is an imbalance between the 2 drivers.”

He further added, saying, “There is one strategy that will be better. And it’s just the way life is and the game unfolds. And you’re never gonna be able to keep the both of them happy all of the time. So it’s important the drivers know what the expectations are and that way, it’s far more harmonious for the team.”

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Whether the difference in performances leads to a stark divide within the team is yet to be seen. But according to Verstappen, Red Bull has no partiality towards him.

Max Verstappen shuts speculations around Red Bull bias against Sergio Perez

There has been a lot of speculation around Red Bull favoring Max Verstappen over Sergio Perez. While the Guadalajara-born racer emerged as a title contender at the start of 2023, the follow-up races destroyed his image and confidence. And with the Dutchman soaring above and beyond, a certain bias became apparent. But turns out, it was never so.

In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Verstappen addressed this situation. He said, “I set up the car the way I like it. And the other driver as it suits him. The engineers are developing the car to make it faster. And not how I would like it.”

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Bias or no bias, there is one clear-cut winner emerging through this. And that is Verstappen. If Perez doesn’t pull up his socks in time for the 2024 season opener at Bahrain, it could be lights out on his Red Bull stint.