Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner wants to see Sergio Perez "rediscover" his early 2023 form, after a run of tough races in Formula 1.
The Mexican enjoyed one of his best starts to a season, winning two of the opening four races in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
After the Miami Grand Prix his form dipped and he hit an all-time low, following five consecutive failed attempts to make an appearance in Q3.
Perez’s form has continued to spiral with his P2 in the Drivers’ now under threat from Lewis Hamilton heading into the final five races of the season.
When asked whether the Miami race weekend was critical to his title chances, Horner told media including RacingNews365: "Checo got off to a good start and we need him to re-discover that form as the championship now enters the final phase.
"But Max dealt with the best car that we've ever produced and he's made the absolute best usage.
"Some of the races that he's driven this year have just been so different, that it's exceeded all our expectations. Max is a driver has just continued to evolve and he's continuing to grow.
"The level that he's now operating at and the way he's able to read races, manage tyres, the mental strength that he has in the high pressure moments, it's absolutely outstanding."
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Horner: 2023 less stressful than previous two years
Red Bull has only failed to win one race so far out of the 17 that have taken place this year, due to the dominant car and driver combination of the RB19 and Verstappen.
Horners claims this made the season a lot less stressful to manage, but also showed how much Verstappen has raised the level of the team.
"It's been a lot less stressful. Abu Dhabi was obviously insane a couple of years ago, but the last couple of years have just been out of this world," said Horner.
"In terms of the level that the team has been operating, the way that Max has been driving, and the amount of races that he's won.
"He's been absolutely dominant. Not just this year, but for the last couple of years."
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