Perez loved a strong begin to the 12 months with three podiums in 4 races, all runner-up spots to Verstappen.
These performances have strengthened his place inside the staff as it’s weighing up whether or not to resume the Mexican’s expiring contract or usher in new blood for 2025 and past, with loads of free brokers in the marketplace for subsequent 12 months.
Final 12 months, Perez appeared to battle beneath his personal expectations of with the ability to match Verstappen, with two early wins igniting early world-title aspirations.
However Horner felt Perez adjusting his mindset for this season, by now not being targeted on what Verstappen is doing, has made him extra relaxed behind the wheel.
“You guys generally tend to write down him off however he’s doing a terrific job,” Horner instructed Sky Sports activities F1.
“He has come into this season with a brand new way of thinking, he’s relaxed, he’s driving the automotive very well.
“He’s not targeted on his team-mate, it’s a completely different method and within the first 5 races we’ve seen a extremely robust efficiency from him.
“He’s driving properly, his confidence is rising and hopefully he can convert that into one other good outcome tomorrow.”
Horner added that Perez is responding properly to the strain of combating for his future on the staff following his winter reset.
“He is a vital a part of the staff and it’s about working collectively and I believe he has bought a terrific engineering help round him and the staff are doing a very good job,” he defined.
Sergio Perez, Crimson Bull Racing, 2nd place, embraces Christian Horner, Group Principal, Crimson Bull Racing in celebration in Parc Ferme
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
“He feels snug within the staff. He is aware of he’s out of contract on the finish of this season and he’s driving for his future.
“He responds to strain in the absolute best manner and I believe we see that with sure drivers with how they reply to strain whereas others typically wilt.
“He has modified a number of issues in his method and I believe he’s driving very well.”
Perez certified second for Sunday’s Chinese language Grand Prix after almost getting eradicated in Q1, with Horner admitting the staff was using its luck because it was determined Perez would attempt to get via to Q2 on a set of used tyres.
“The observe was evolving shortly and in hindsight we in all probability ought to have run a brand new set of tyres, however we had been stacking them up for later in qualifying and the observe was ramping up,” he stated.
“You’d wish to say it was excellent judgement however we bought a bit fortunate to get him inside the reduce.”