Perez loved a strong begin to the yr with three podiums in 4 races, all runner-up spots to Verstappen.
These performances have strengthened his place inside the crew 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 yr.
Final yr, Perez appeared to wrestle below 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 tend to put in writing him off however he’s doing a terrific job,” Horner advised Sky Sports activities F1.
“He has come into this season with a brand new state of mind, he’s relaxed, he’s driving the automotive very well.
“He isn’t targeted on his team-mate, it’s a totally different method and within the first 5 races we’ve seen a extremely robust efficiency from him.
“He’s driving nicely, his confidence is rising and hopefully he can convert that into one other good outcome tomorrow.”
Horner added that Perez is responding nicely to the stress of preventing for his future on the crew following his winter reset.
“He is a vital a part of the crew and it’s about working collectively and I believe he has obtained a terrific engineering help round him and the crew are doing a superb job,” he defined.
Sergio Perez, Pink Bull Racing, 2nd place, embraces Christian Horner, Group Principal, Pink Bull Racing in celebration in Parc Ferme
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
“He feels snug within the crew. 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 stress in the very best manner and I believe we see that with sure drivers with how they reply to stress 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 practically getting eradicated in Q1, with Horner admitting the crew was using its luck because it was determined Perez would try to get by means of to Q2 on a set of used tyres.
“The monitor was evolving rapidly and in hindsight we most likely ought to have run a brand new set of tyres, however we have been stacking them up for later in qualifying and the monitor was ramping up,” he mentioned.
“You’d wish to say it was excellent judgement however we obtained a bit fortunate to get him inside the minimize.”