Horner reveals discussions with Perez to review recent performances

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner says he expects Sergio Perez to return to form once the Mexican finds a setup for the RB18 that suits his driving style.

Having had a strong start to 2022 with a win at Monaco and four second places across the season’s first seven Grands Prix, Perez has slipped back in recent races, with just one podium finish across the last five Grands Prix, while teammate Max Verstappen has won three races in the same timeframe.

The Mexican has also had difficulties in qualifying, and has failed to progress to the top-ten shootout three times in the last five race weekends.

Horner and Perez discussing setup issues

Speaking during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Horner said he had had discussions with Perez to try to get to the bottom of the Mexican's struggles.

"I think we just need to find a setup that gives him that confidence," Horner told Sky F1.

"I had dinner with him to talk through where, over the last couple of races, has it not quite been there for [him].

"He's very clear what he wants from the car, and I think hopefully we can help him achieve that, and then he'll start to come back into play.

"Hopefully there's a few things in the pipeline that might help him."

Having previously sat second in the 2022 F1 Drivers' Championship, Perez has slipped to third behind Charles Leclerc in recent races, and is currently 85 points behind leader Verstappen.