What Horner says Perez needs to change to challenge Verstappen in 2023

So far, Sergio Perez seems to be keeping up well with Max Verstappen's pace, but the first real showdown will follow on Saturday afternoon. Christian Horner explains to GPblog and others what the Mexican needs to change to match the two-time world champion.

What Perez needs to do to challenge Verstappen

To have a serious chance of winning the 2023 world title, Perez will have to change something from the previous Formula 1 season. Excelling every now and then will not be enough to challenge Verstappen: he has to be there every race weekend.

What does Perez need to change about his approach to continuously make things difficult for his teammate? " His lap time," Horner replied. "Max is a hell of a competitor, he is probably the highest benchmark in F1. Checo is in his third year with the team, he is confident and comfortable. He has to be on his A game."

However, competition for Perez will also come from outside the team. Ferrari as well as Mercedes and Aston Martin could pose a challenge, the Red Bull Racing team boss judges. "Not just with Max, Fred's drivers are pushing each other hard. Mercedes drivers are hard, we've got a pretty motivated veteran in a green car as well. It will be an exciting year," Horner said.