Red Bull has 'to look at facts’ in Perez F1 decision

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has asserted the team will “look at the facts” when it comes to a driver line-up decision for next year.

Sergio Perez's position within the squad has been under scrutiny for some time amid a series of lacklustre performances this season.

A number of F1 drivers, including RB's Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, have been linked with a promotion to the senior team.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently declared that any decision over the team's line-up would be made after Abu Dhabi amid speculation he could be axed ahead of the final three races.

When asked about Perez's future and if the team is heading towards a decision, Horner told media including RacingNews365: “Everything in life is subjective, and I think you've got to look at the facts.

“We’re working hard with Checo. He had a chassis change [in Brazil]. I thought he drove a good [sprint] race, but [Sunday] wasn't his day.”

Red Bull still focused on constructors' F1 glory

Carlos Sainz has also been briefly been linked with the seat - however, Horner told Talksport that the Williams-bound driver “wouldn't form part of our plans” for next season.

Perez opened the campaign with a series of strong results but his last podium finish came in China, almost seven months ago.

His run of poor performances has contributed to Red Bull's dip in the constructors' championship, with the Milton Keynes-based outfit now sitting in third place.

However, Horner asserted Red Bull has not given up hope of retaining the teams' title.

“F1 as we know, is a results-based business,” he stated. “Sergio is very, very aware of that. 

“He's not happy with how the season has gone for him, as you would expect.

“He's big enough and old enough and wise enough to recognise that, but our focus is very much still on the constructors’ championship as well.

“We need Sergio to be up there scoring in these last three races, if we want to have any chance of challenging either Ferrari or McLaren.”