Horner gives definitive answer on Perez future

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has made it clear that there is no doubt Sergio Perez will be with the team next season.

Perez has been under intense scrutiny for a series of lacklustre performances ever since securing two of the first four race victories this season.

Despite holding a contract for next season, the Mexican's place alongside Max Verstappen has come under question repeatedly and only increased in intensity when Daniel Ricciardo made his F1 comeback with AlphaTauri mid-season.

Horner and Motorsport Advisor Helmet Marko have consistently, albeit tentatively, confirmed Perez's presence with the team next season, though rumoured targets were circulated on social media ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend.

Speaking after a third-place finish for Perez in the Interlagos Sprint, Horner told media including RacingNews365.com: "I am absolutely confident and clear that Checo will be our driver next year.

"Now, if he was injured or something like that, then they are circumstances beyond your control.

"But the clear intention is that he will continue here.

"We're planning to continue, we have announced the AlphaTauri drivers, we have our Red Bull drivers and that is how we intend to go racing in 2024."

Perez equipped with 'very thick skin'

Asked if the constant noise surrounding Perez's performances and future has affected the synergy between him and the rest of the Red Bull team, Horner replied: "It hasn't because it is only noise on the outside.

"I'm sure it does [affect him] but I think what we've seen with him, or one of his strengths, is he has a very thick skin.

"Yeah, many times he's picked himself up, brushed himself and got back up again."