Christian Horner jokes about the Mexican driver’s renewal with Red Bull – El Financiero

China is the host of the Big prize this weekend, with the peculiarity that the drivers will also race the first sprint of the year. Although the classification for this points race did not turn out as ‘Checo’ Pérez expected, the start of the season has been profitable with three podiums in second place. Christian Horner He was questioned about the improvement of the Mexican pilot and joked about his renewal.

Pérez’s contract with Red Bullwhich began in 2022, ends this year and for months uncertainty has been surrounding several names such as possible substitutes to accompany Max Verstappen in 2025. However, for him the priority is to continue his career with the champion team.

What did Horner say about ‘Checo’s’ renewal with Red Bull?

At the media conference in China, the head of Red Bull Racing He said with a laugh the reason why ‘Checo’ has shown improvement in his performance: “Probably because he doesn’t have a contract!”

Horner continued and, this time seriously, highlighted the work he did in winter and the work he continues to do outside the public eye, especially in the simulator before a race: “He has arrived with a slight change in his approach to the weekends Grand Prix and it has been very close in the four races this season so far, especially at a circuit like Suzuka, where last year it had quite a few problems, but this year it has been very competitive.”

As he has reiterated on other occasions, Horner said that Red Bull is in no hurry to resolve the mystery of the free seat: “Of course, he (‘Checo’) would like to make an announcement tomorrow, without a doubt, but we as a team are in no particular hurry.”

However, he did not throw the issue overboard and clarified “we are happy with the couple we have,” but “we want to ensure that the level of regularity is maintained.”

What did ‘Checo’ say about his chances of continuing at Red Bull?

For his part, the Mexican pilot revealed this week that “it’s a matter of time” So that his future is defined, his priority is to stay, but for the peace of mind of the fans, for now he is not thinking about retiring from the top category: “I have been in this sport for a long time but I am only 34 years old.”