Red Bull boss Horner discusses 'difficult calls' over Perez

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has admitted that the team has had to make some 'difficult calls' regarding Sergio Perez's future, but insists that the Mexican driver remains a 'valued member' of the team.

Perez has been under pressure for much of the season, with Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen winning 11 of the 19 races so far and leading the championship by a comfortable margin.

Perez has finished on the podium just once in the last six races, and has been out-qualified by Verstappen in all but two of the last 10 races.

There have been reports that Red Bull are considering replacing Perez with another driver for 2023, with Pierre Gasly and Nyck de Vries among those linked with the seat.

However, Horner has insisted that Perez is still in the team's plans for next year.

"Sergio is a valued member of the team and we're very happy with him," Horner said.

"He's a great driver and he's been a great team player for us.

"We've had to make some difficult calls this year, but Sergio has always been professional and he's always put the team first.

"He's a great asset to the team and we're looking forward to working with him again next year."

Perez has said that he is confident that he can improve his form and help Red Bull win the constructors' championship this year.

"I'm not giving up," Perez said.

"I'm going to keep fighting and I'm going to try to win every race that I can.

"I know that I can do it and I'm going to prove it to everyone."