Horner: Perez's Sakhir GP win won't speed up Red Bull decision for F1 2021

Christian Horner says Sergio Perez's F1 victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix last weekend will not speed up Red Bull's decision in deciding Max Verstappen's teammate for the 2021 season.

Perez claimed a sensational maiden victory last time out at the Sakhir Grand Prix, inheriting the lead of the race after Mercedes’ tyre mix up under the Safety Car.

The current Racing Point driver is in the frame to partner Max Verstappen in 2021 with Red Bull expected to make a decision between Perez and Alexander Albon after this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On Thursday, Perez revealed he had received a congratulations message from Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko.

Horner revealed during FP1 that he did the same as Marko with the Mexican then responding with an offer to join him for celebratory drinks.

"He sent me one back asking us to go and join him for some tequilas because he was staying in the same hotel, which was very nice of him," Horner said on Sky Sports F1’s FP1 broadcast.

"I think everybody in the pitlane was delighted for him, to see him win that grand prix.

"He's been around a long time, he drove for me in GP2 years ago, and I think he was a very popular winner last Sunday."

Despite Perez’s maiden win in Sakhir, Horner says Red Bull's focus is still on ensuring Albon's performs at his best this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

"We're giving Alex every opportunity as I've previously said," Horner added. "No decisions will be made until after this race. But Sergio has given a very good account of himself."

"I know what you're fishing for. You're not going to get it. As I say, the focus is on doing the best job we can with Alex, and Sergio, he just needs to keep doing what he's doing.

"He's doing a great job, doing a great advert for himself. I think our focus is very much on Alex, and we want to see him do the best job he can this weekend."