Red Bull Team Principal Horner on the "toughest decision" regarding Perez
Intro
After winning the 2022 Formula 1 Constructor’s Championship, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner opened up about the internal struggles and challenges the team faced during the season. One of the most significant decisions that Horner and Red Bull had to make during the 2022 season was whether to prioritize Max Verstappen's championship bid or Sergio Perez's quest to finish second in the Driver's Championship.
The Strategies
Red Bull chose to put Verstappen in the lead during the season, a decision that paid off as the Dutch driver secured his second world title with four races remaining. Perez, on the other hand, had to switch to a supporting role, helping Verstappen on track in races like the British Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix. Horner admitted that it was not an easy decision to make.
In an interview with Formula1.com, Horner said, "It's always tough when you have two drivers who are capable of winning races and they're both in contention for the championship. We had to make some tough decisions this year, particularly in the second half of the season, which weren't always easy for Checo to accept."
The Results
While Perez was vocal about his disappointment at not being given equal opportunities to fight for the championship, he ultimately accepted the team's decision, recognizing the importance of team success. Perez finished the season in third place in the Driver's Championship, contributing to Red Bull's dominance in 2022.
Horner praised Perez for his professionalism and unwavering support of the team. "Checo has been incredible this year," Horner said. "He's been a great team player, he's been a great support to Max, and I think he's shown what a class act he is, both on and off the track."
Looking ahead
As Red Bull prepares for the 2023 season, Horner indicated that the team will approach driver strategy on a race-by-race basis. The team will continue to prioritize the championship, but they will also ensure that both drivers have a fair chance to achieve their personal goals.
It's important to note that the 2022 season was a unique one for Red Bull, with Verstappen dominating the majority of races. In seasons where both drivers are more evenly matched, the team may have to adopt a different approach.
Horner's comments highlight the complex and often difficult decisions that team principals face in Formula 1. Balancing team success with individual driver ambitions is a delicate task, and there is no easy answer. However, Red Bull's success in 2022 suggests that they have found a formula that works for them.
