Horner makes 'hard work' admission about Perez mentality

Christian Horner has acknowledged that Sergio Perez needs to work hard to compete in the 2024 Formula 1 season, but acknowledged that being Max Verstappen's team-mate is a 'tough gig'.

Perez's future stirred speculation in the 2023 paddock, raising doubts about a potential replacement. However, with the driver line-up already confirmed, Red Bull expressed support for Perez.

Despite Perez securing second place in the drivers' championship, achieving Red Bull's first-ever 1-2 finish in the standings, he still trailed 290 points behind his teammate Verstappen.

Red Bull team principal Horner acknowledged that despite the results, Perez still needs to keep pushing.

READ MORE: Verstappen shares sad realisation after historic season

Horner: We've got to work harder in 2024

“We all know what Checo [Perez] is capable of,” Horner said to PlanetF1.com. “I think he just needs to work hard to achieve consistency.

“Time and time again, he’s bounced back when he’s been under pressure, a bit under criticism from the media. He’s done his talking on the track, and he’s done it again, at the tail end of this year with some very strong drives.”

Horner also conceded the challenges Perez faces being team-mates with the dominant Verstappen.

“But, you know, it’s a tough gig being Max’s team-mate,” Horner added. “We’ve just got to work harder. Because we need him firing on all cylinders at 24 races next year because the competition will move closer.

“So we need both drivers as tightly bunched as we can in order to ensure that we do our utmost to defend both titles.”

READ MORE: Horner reveals Red Bull star almost left team for 'Hollywood lifestyle'

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