Horner delivers Perez warning over repeat failures

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has called on Sergio Perez to boost his performances ahead of next year's Formula 1 season.

Perez has been unable to match the pace of team-mate Max Verstappen throughout the current campaign and sits 204 points down on the Dutchman in the standings.

Red Bull's dominant season with Verstappen has seen it cruise to another double championship, with the team winning 16 of the 17 races staged so far.

Two of those race victories came the way of Perez earlier this year but his strong start has been followed by a disappointing run of form.

At the recent Qatar Grand Prix, Perez started from the pit lane after major changes were made to his car on Saturday after he was involved in a three-car collision during the Sprint, albeit an innocent party as Nico Hulkenberg's Haas and Esteban Ocon's Alpine tangled at Turn 2.

The Mexican recovered to 10th place to secure a solitary point but was issued three five-second time penalties for track limit breaches.

Red Bull's frustration

Perez has a contract that runs until the end of next year's campaign, though that hasn't stopped speculation across the season that he could be at risk of losing his place.

Despite its dominant season, the Milton Keynes-based outfit is expecting rivals to close the gap over the winter and into the new season.

As a result, Horner has stated that Red Bull's run of success could be hampered if Perez is unable to perform at a higher level.

“Well, the frustration is that we know what Checo is capable of doing,” Horner told media including RacingNews365.com.

“Last year and this year he has contributed significantly to the Constructors’ Championship.

“We desperately want him to find that form. As a team, we need him to.

“We can't afford to have a big split because if, as you would expect, the grid continues to concertina next year, we need both drivers delivering at the top of the game.”