Formula 1: Red Bull Chief Responds to Lewis Hamilton’s Comments Regarding Sergio Perez’s Criticism

• Formula 1 heads to Mexico for round 20 of the 2023 season
• Lewis Hamilton recently slammed Red Bull's Technical Director for his comments on Sergio Perez
• Team Principal Christian Horner has responded to the claims of the Mercedes driver

Sergio Perez's prolonged struggle at Red Bull Racing has seen many drivers and key figures within the team express their perspectives on the reasons behind his difficulties.

The 33-year-old Mexican driver began the 2023 season in exceptional form, but his performance took a nosedive after securing a second-place finish at the Miami Grand Prix. This decline in form ultimately dashed his hopes of clinching his first-ever drivers' championship.

Red Bull's technical director, Helmut Marko, frequently voiced his dissatisfaction with Perez's performance. Notably, Marko made a statement linking Perez's struggles to his Mexican heritage, sparking significant reactions within the Formula 1 community.

Carlo Ancelotti gets emotional as Real Madrid anthem plays at Parma University ceremony: video

Football

In response to Marko's comments, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, during the interview ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix Practise, was asked about Sergio Perez and his struggle thus far.

Hamilton, as quoted by Fastest Pitstop, remarked,

"I don't believe his team has been overwhelmingly supportive.

I wouldn't generalize to 'the team,' as there are numerous individuals in a team.

However, there has been a specific spokesperson who hasn't been particularly helpful from a psychological standpoint. If I heard Toto speaking negatively about me over the weekends, it would be quite challenging."

The Mercedes driver's words seemed to have a few in the Red Bull hierarchy displeased, and Team Principal Christian Horner offered a response to Hamilton's comments ahead of the Grand Prix Qualifying.

Horner responds to Hamilton

Horner, speaking as quoted by @redbulletin, touched on Hamilton's recent comments about not providing enough support to Perez:

Bellingham 'the difference' as England plot Italy revenge

Football

"It's interesting that Lewis shows so much concern and attention for Perez when he was recently questioning the legitimacy of Max's teammate."

The 49-year-old Horner went on to address the rumours surrounding Perez's relationship with the Red Bull team, saying,

"There's always rumours that are circulating in this paddock, especially when there's very little to write about. [Sergio] has a great relationship with the team, a strong relationship with his teammate, and we want to see him finish second in the championship, which is something we've never achieved before – to have a one-two."

Horner's words seemed to provide a sense of relief for Perez as he approached his home Grand Prix with a significant opportunity to secure his first victory since Azerbaijan.

Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix Preview

In a previous report, Sports Brief touched on key details and previews ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Barcelona defender opens up on what 'annoys' him about Jude Bellingham

Football

Despite Red Bull and Verstappen already having secured a third successive crown this year, there's still much at stake for the rest of the field, including Sergio Perez, who is facing an ultimatum to save his 2024 seat, as reported by Brazilian outlet Geglobo.

Lewis Hamilton will also fancy an outsider's chance to secure his first race victory since Jeddah 2021.