Horner clarifies crucial Perez meeting

Christian Horner has provided further insight into the much discussed post-Belgian Grand Prix Red Bull meeting.

It has been touted as a crunch-time meeting on Sergio Perez's future with the team, ahead of a test at Imola on Wednesday that is being described by some as a shootout between Liam Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo for the Mexican's seat.

The meeting was highlighted by Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko, who suggested the focal point was Perez.

That is due to take place today, the day after the race at Spa-Francorchamps - where the six-time grand prix winner finished in seventh, despite starting on the front row.

However, Horner has since confirmed that a number of items will be on the agenda - and that it is a meeting the team always has ahead of the summer shutdown.

We're constantly analysing, we're constantly looking at things," the 50-year-old told media including RacingNews365.

"We've got a meeting, but it's not just about Checo [Sergio Perez]. We have other topics on the agenda as well, which we always do going into the summer break."

Focus on the constructors' championship

Horner went on to explain what will likely be the main topic of discussion, albeit one that is inherently linked to the fate of Perez. 

Despite another disappointing result for the 34-year-old in Belgium, his team-mate was able to further extend his drivers' championship lead over Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen was fastest in qualifying but started P11 after a power unit penalty. It looked to be a damage limitation exercise, but the Dutchman came through the field to finish fourth in the race and, crucially, ahead of the McLaren, who started in that same position.

On the other hand, Perez slipping backwards provided a net loss for Red Bull in the constructors' standings. 

Oscar Piastri finished in second, picking up 18 points for McLaren. Coupled with Norris' 10 points for fifth place, that result meant that Red Bull lost a further nine points from its advantage.

"Extending the lead going into the summer break for Max [Verstappen] will give him a better rest," the team principal said.

"For us, the focus is on the constructors', that we've seen another seven or eight points [the loss it would have been prior to George Russell's disqualification] taken off us again today. We need to turn that around coming out of the break in Zandvoort."