Horner on Perez choice: 'We needed an experienced driver alongside Verstappen'

After two seasons with lesser teammates for Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing has chosen a different route for 2021. Helmut Marko and Christian Horner opted for Sergio Perez, who was without a contract after ten years in Formula 1. The experienced Mexican will have to improve to close the gap to Mercedes and according to Horner he can do so.

"It was a very difficult decision and we were lucky enough to be able to think about it for a very long time, actually throughout the season. It's very strange that a driver of Perez's calibre is just free on the market," the Red Bull team boss explained in conversation with Motorsport-Total.com.

Experience will help

Perez's experience, according to Horner, was ultimately the deciding factor. "We felt it would be better to have an experienced driver alongside Max for 2021. I think it was a mature choice to break out of our established routine and give Sergio a chance," Horner said, referring to the choice of Red Bull juniors, as Perez is the first in a long time not to come from the Red Bull programme.

Perez's good performances also came to Horner and Marko. "Especially in the latter part of the season. In 2020 Perez had his most successful season ever. He managed to win in the last race and eventually finished fourth in the championship. He has ten years of F1 experience, which is going to be valuable," Horner concluded.