Horner hails Perez after fulfilling Red Bull's remaining 2023 target

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has praised Sergio Perez after the Mexican driver secured second place in the Drivers' Championship.

Perez was in the hunt for victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix but had to settle for third place after being overtaken on the last lap by Charles Leclerc.

However, his result was enough to ensure he will stay ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the standings with one race remaining this year.

It marks Red Bull's first-ever one-two finish in the Drivers' Championship after Verstappen secured the title several races ago.

“It's something as a team we've never achieved before,” Horner told Sky F1.

“I mean, what more can you ask for from your drivers and first and second enter in the Drivers' World Championship?

“And his [Perez's] form, his pace was right there again. The last two or three races, he's really been finding his form again.”

Horner impressed with Perez recovery

Perez's recovery came after he started from 12th on the grid before pitting at the end of the first lap with front wing damage.

He was then aided by two Safety Cars to be brought into contention for the victory.

After engaging in a battle with Leclerc, it appeared that second place would be Perez's until Leclerc overtook him into the final braking zone of the circuit.

“Max was dropping back at the end of the race to try and give him a bit of a tow,” Horner added. “And it just wasn't quite enough today.

“But coming from the back of the grid. You know, after a nose change on the first lap, I thought he drove a great Grand Prix.”