Christian Horner Decodes How Max Verstappen Forced Sergio Perez’s “Demoralizing” Downfall

Like any other sport in the world, Formula 1 also requires the drivers to stay in impeccable shape to compete at the highest level. However, being in “shape” isn’t limited to the driver’s physical state alone. Formula 1, just like any other sport, tests an athlete’s mental resolve as well. This is exactly where, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, Sergio Perez lost the battle against Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman secured his third championship title in as many years, with an unprecedented run in the 2023 season. However, it did not start like that and the end could’ve been different if it wasn’t one moment that changed Sergio Perez‘s season.

Christian Horner reveals where Sergio Perez lost the battle against Max Verstappen

Christian Horner has seen and managed all drivers that have raced for Red Bull in the sport and he has managed some big names. So speaking on the latest episode of the Eff Won podcast, the longest-serving boss spoke from his vast experience and decoded where Perez lost the battle against the world champion.

Talking about the mental game of the sport, Horner highlighted, “We’ve got exactly that going on at the moment with Checo. Yeah, and we all want to see him, you know, do the best that he can. But I think since Miami it’s been tough for him because he started the year so well, won two races, right there in the championship. We go to Miami, he gets an open goal because Max, red flags, and different situations meant he was outside the 10 in the qualifying. That point would’ve been an open goal for Checo and by the 12th lap or something Max is ahead of him.” Podcast host Dax Shepard chimed in stating, “That’s a demoralizing experience,” to which Horner agreed and said, “And I think that then created the questions.”

Read More: Christian Horner Shockingly Defends Charles Leclerc to Blame Sergio Perez for “Racing Accident” at Mexican GP

After Miami, Perez just never recovered with some embarrassing stretch of qualifying sessions where he did not it to Q3. There is no doubt the Mexican is suffering and he even opened up about it. However, he has the support of his team, especially the boss.

Christian Horner gives Sergio Perez a lifeline amidst replacement rumors

Ever since Daniel Ricciardo has made it back to the track and Perez has failed to impress in the RB19, the exit rumors have been circling like vultures over raw meat. However, despite the rumors, Horner has come out time and again to secure Perez’s position on the team while extending a helping hand.

Horner said, “All we can do is support him. We know what he’s capable of. We saw that earlier in the year and something is missing at the moment and we’ve just gotta help him get back to the kind of form that he showed when he won in Saudi and Azerbaijan. And something is missing at the moment. We need to work with him and support him to try and find that form.” 

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The team is still putting a lot of faith in the Mexican. Let’s hope he can prove his worth in the coming two races to secure his 2024 season.