Horner: 'Perez also knows that Verstappen already has the title'

Red Bull Racing has been sounding a lot milder about Sergio Perez in the media since the Hungary GP. Max Verstappen's teammate also seems to be doing slightly better again in the past two races. According to team boss Christian Horner, it is clear that Perez has recently been able to focus more on his own performance.

Indeed, the Mexican no longer has to worry about the 2023 drivers' title. Verstappen is far away from his teammate and nothing seems to be able to stop him from getting his third F1 title in a row. Red Bull team advisor Dr Helmut Marko already indicated that Perez has woken up from his dream of becoming an F1 champion this year. That would possibly take some pressure off him and explain his better form.

'Checo also knows Verstappen has already got the title'

In Belgium, Horner released the following to the media, including GPblog: "I think we all know that Helmut is fairly straightforward in some of his analysis, but look I think that Checo knows that that's barring a disaster for Max that this championship is out of out of reach, so it's about him maximising his own performance not losing ground and to any of the rivals behind and trying to pick up a few wins between now and the end of the year."

The team boss added: "I think it'll take a lot more confidence out of this weekend he put it on the front row he led the Grand Prix he's finished second. So yeah I think you know he goes into the championship a clear second in a drivers world championship so I think he'll take some confidence out of that."