Ted Kravitz has warned that Sergio Perez was treated unfairly through Christian Horner following the Red Bull boss’s public comments about his driver.
Perez is out of contract at the end of the season and is fighting for his future, but he has started the crusade well. He has 3 podiums to show in his 4 races so far and is second in the drivers’ championship with his teammate Max Verstappen.
Although his inventory is high, the Mexican is keen to close a new deal to secure his position at F1’s most sensible team. But, speaking to reporters at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, he said Red Bull would not rush to make a decision on his future.
Horner praised Perez’s improvement and warned that the fact that his contract expires soon could have had an effect on his performance. And that line turns out to have angered Sky Sports F1 pit reporter Kravitz, who criticised the Red Bull boss. on the screen of his Ted’s Notebook after qualifying in Shanghai.
“You would possibly have heard Christian Horner talking to [Sky presenter] Simon Lazenby after qualifying, accusing the media of ignoring Sergio Perez,” Kravitz said.
This is the same Christian Horner who, in the press conference, when asked what he attributed Checo’s recent improvement to, replied: ‘Probably because it’s contract renewal season’.
“So think of it this way. You’re Sergio Perez and you’ve done a lot of simulator paintings in Milton Keynes and a lot of paintings with [race engineer] Hugh Bird and you’ve made some wonderful comments. “So far, you’re behind Max Verstappen in top races and you’ve really played your game.
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“And then your team boss tells you, ‘You’ve advanced your game just because it’s time to renegotiate the contract and you’re just looking because you need a new contract. ‘If you’re Sergio Perez, what does that mean?
“Sergio would possibly need a quick contract for the future, but Christian would probably not give it to him either. So, ignoring the Checo thing, ‘we’re going to sit down and talk about this in the next few weeks,’ Christian said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had drivers,” said Carlos Sainz, praising Carlos Sainz.
Horner had shown Red Bull’s talks with Sainz, who is leaving Ferrari and is one of the most sensible candidates for Perez’s job who deserves the team to make a change. He said: “An engine of Carlos’ calibre, it needs to be in a winning car. And even if we have a seat available for next year, your purpose is inevitably that seat. “
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