Horner: Perez 'delivering the role' hoped by Red Bull

Christian Horner says that Sergio Perez has delivered on Red Bull's overall expectations this season, hinting that the Mexican will likely remain with the Milton Keynes-based outfit in 2022.

Perez found himself a free agent on the drivers' market at the end of 2020 following Racing Point/Aston Martin's decision to replace him with Sebastian Vettel.

But Alex Albon's inability to convince Red Bull to keep him onboard for 2021 led to Perez's recruitment by the team.

Although the 31-year-old struggled for consistency alongside Max Verstappen in the first part of the season, a 104-point track record that includes a win in Baku has been deemed as satisfactory by Horner.

"I think Sergio has delivered the role that we've been hoping for," said the Red Bull racing team boss.

"You saw that in Baku when he picked up a victory on the day that he was able to put Lewis under pressure

"He’s been collecting those constructors’ points, and playing the team game, as we saw at the French GP. He's a great team player and we're very happy with the job he's doing."

• Read also: Perez brings 'different perspective' to Red Bull – Newey

Historically, Red Bull has almost always picked its drivers from within its junior program. In hindsight, and considering Pierre Gasly's strong performance at AlphaTauri, Horner says Red Bull's hiring of Perez was a "brave" decision, but the right choice.

"Our view has always been to give youth the chance and I think Red Bull, more than any other team, has done that," said the Briton. "But occasionally, you need to step out of the programme.

"I think it was a brave decision to do that, but I think it was the right decision. The dynamic in the team is working well.

"Pierre is doing a fantastic job at AlphaTauri, and is still very much a Red Bull racing driver, so we're in a good place."

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