Horner happy with strategy and 'progress' from Perez

Max Verstappen won the US Grand Prix from P6 despite braking problems. Teammate Sergio Perez, after disqualifying Lewis Hamilton, finished in P4. Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner is happy with the team's strategy and Perez's result. Perez himself had actually expected a bit more from the strategy.

Horner calls strategy for United States GP optimal

In front of Viaplay's cameras, Horner is delighted. After all, triple F1 champion Verstappen won his 50th F1 race. Horner boasts that the team had an optimal strategy, allowing Verstappen to win the race from P6. With that strategy, Horner may not be talking about Perez's car.

Horner omits Perez's strategy in his review of the race but does mention the Mexican's race: "It's been a great weekend, obviously sprint and Grand Prix victory, but it wasn't straightforward from sixth on the grid, I think we got the strategy right today, and good to see Checo making some progress as well."

Only optimal strategy for Verstappen?

When Horner is asked if the race in Austin was good for Perez's confidence, the team boss said: "He's quick at times, and he had strong pace today, so good race from him." 

Whereas Horner is actually positive about the Mexican, Perez himself is somewhat critical, especially on that strategy.

Perez said to Viaplay's camera: "I wanted a little bit more, obviously, but I think it was really hard to follow and to stay in the fight. We had a few occasions where we could undercut people, but we just didn't, so I think we have to review as well in that regard".