Christian Horner reckons Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen will head into the 2022 season with renewed vigour and increased confidence, after both played a key part in Verstappen landing his maiden Drivers' Championship. While Verstappen won 10 races en route to the 2021 F1 World Championship title, Perez's maiden season with Red Bull was rocky in places. But a strong run of races towards the end of the season meant Perez had a critical role in helping Verstappen to the title, particularly in the finale in Abu Dhabi. Defending masterfully against Lewis Hamilton after Red Bull left the Mexican out to get track position over the Mercedes, Perez's defence brought Verstappen back within reach of Hamilton, which proved crucial in the closing stages when the Safety Car was deployed.
Horner praises both Verstappen and Perez
Horner spoke about both of his drivers, and how he expects them to step up a gear in 2022 with their confidence increased from how the end of '21 played out. "[We] saw the culmination of that in the teamwork in the latter races, particularly in Abu Dhabi," he said. "Checo [Perez] in his first year, winning that race in Azerbaijan, [scoring] other podiums – he's going to be stronger and taking a step up in 2022. "Max was just phenomenal last year; [it was] an outstanding season for him. He dominated the amount of laps led, [had] 10 Grand Prix victories and, of course, the World Championship, so his confidence is going to be sky high and looking to build on those performances in 2022."
Red Bull are "galvanised" heading into 2022
Horner highlighted that the most important asset Red Bull have heading into the 2022 season is harmony between the drivers, with this trickling down through the ranks of the entire organisation. "I think the most important thing was we really worked strongly as a team," he commented. "To see the two drivers working and supporting each other, to see the strength and depth that we have in the team, the way that they coped through the pandemic to continue to develop the car the way that we did, and to deal with the challenges that we faced last year, has really galvanised the team. "I think that we go into 2022 in great shape and are looking forward to the season ahead."
Most read
