Horner: Perez “ahead of expectations” after first F1 win for Red Bull in Baku

Perez claimed his second career victory after inheriting the lead from teammate Max Verstappen, who suffered a tyre failure on Lap 47.

The Mexican managed to retain the lead after the red flag period, maintaining the lead into Turn 1 after the second standing start.

Perez’s first win for Red Bull moves him into third in the drivers’ championship, 36 points behind Verstappen.

Horner described Perez’s performance in Azerbaijan as “phenomenal”.

“We knew he was good around here but we didn’t know he was that good,” Horner said. “He’s been quick all weekend. He’s been bang on the pace and the only mistake he made was in Q3 run one. His race pace was phenomenal. 

“Had he not been longer in the first stop, he would have been right on top of Max with the overcut, such was his pace in clean air. Phenomenal for him. The way he was defending from Lewis and controlling that was a class act.

“To see him get that victory will be great for his confidence. It puts him up to third in the drivers’ championship now. He’s ahead of expectations.”

It was the first time since 2018 the second Red Bull car claimed a victory after Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon failed to do so in the previous two years.

Horner says it’s important for Red Bull to have two cars in the fight against Mercedes.

“It’s great to have both cars up there obviously,” Horner added. “I think it’s an added string to our bow on a day that you lose your lead car that Checo’s right there to deliver the win. That’s exactly what we’ve been looking for. 

“I’m delighted for him and pleased for the team with all the amount of effort that’s been going on behind the scenes. For all our partners as well. I think it’s everybody doing their bit and Checo being part of that.”