Horner explains why Perez ran different Dutch GP floor to Verstappen

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has explained why Sergio Perez was forced to run a different Formula 1 floor to Max Verstappen in the Dutch Grand Prix.

While Verstappen cruised to a fourth win on the trot and 10th of the season in front of his home crowd at Zandvoort, Perez endured a difficult weekend - and eventually came home in fifth place.

Verstappen now enjoys a 109 point championship lead over Perez and Charles Leclerc who are equal on 201.

And Perez was forced to run a slightly different floor to his World Champion, soon to be twice, teammate, and had a precautionary power unit change overnight from Saturday into Sunday.

Horner reveals why Perez had different floor

"It (the different spec of floor) gave minuscule differences," Horner explained to media including RacingNews365.com.

"It's been predominantly driven by the availability of spare parts.

"I think the difference is probably less than a tenth, approximately maybe a tenth of a second.

"Checo had a tricky race and unfortunately was jumped at a restart.

"I think with hindsight, his tyre preference was the Medium and I think with 20/20 vision, the Soft at the end would probably better to attack.

"But it was still decent points for him today."

Over the last four races, where Verstappen has picked up 102 of an available 104 points, Perez has just hauled 50.

However, he is locked into a battle with Leclerc for runner-up but the Mexican's efforts have Red Bull firmly in the lead in the Constructors' with Red Bull on 511 points, 135 clear of Ferrari as they seek their first makes' title since 2013.