Horner contradicts Perez claim over Red Bull future

Christian Horner has contradicted Sergio Perez's claim that he expects his Red Bull future to be sorted imminently.

The Mexican's contract expires after the 2024 season, with multiple drivers eyeing up the second seat alongside Max Verstappen, including Carlos Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo.

But Perez has started 2024 strongly, with three-second places in four races and sits second in the Drivers' Championship behind Verstappen heading to the first Sprint weekend in China.

After his second-place finish in Japan, Perez indicated that his future would be sorted imminently, possibly within a month, but Horner has poured cold water over that claim.

"Not very, I am afraid," Horner told media including RacingNews365 when asked if the team was close to confirming its 2025 line-up.

"It is incredible that we are at race five and there's so much talk already about drivers for next year.

"We're in a situation where we're very happy with our two drivers, but don't need to make a decision until much later in the year.

"Max is on a long-term contract, and Checo is out of contract, but driving exceptionally well so far this season.

When pushed by RacingNews365 on the matter, Horner added that the team is not in "a particular rush" to decide.

"Sergio of course would like to make an announcement tomorrow undoubtedly, but we as a team aren't in a particular rush.

"We're in a fortunate position where many drivers would obviously like to drive for the team, but we're happy with the pairing that we have.

"We just want to make sure that the level of consistency that Checo started the season is maintained and in due course, we will evaluate those options.

"But as I say, at this point in time, we're very happy with the line-up that we have, so there is no imminent rush to announce the full driver line-up for 2025."