Christian Horner said Perez's second place at the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix is exactly the type of performance he needs to earn a seat in Red Bull for 2025.
The Red Bull Racing F1 team took the maximum number of points (44) away from the first race of the season at Bahrain International Circuit when Max Verstappen took P1 with the fastest lap and Sergio Perez P2.
The Mexican driver didn't have the best starting position as he started from fifth place on the grid, but taking advantage of RB20's superior pace, he could perform three overtakes and finish the race second.
Helmut Marko outlined a minimum target for the 34-year-old when he said Perez would be considered if he got the second place in the Championship and one or two race wins.
But, when Christian Horner was asked whether there is something like a minimum target for Perez to get the second seat in Red Bull next season, he asserted there are no specific criteria. As reported by motorsport.com, he said:
"There's no set criteria. He's got to do enough to earn that seat, and days like today are exactly what he's got to deliver."
It was heavily speculated that Perez wouldn't be driving for Red Bull in 2024 due to his insufficient performances on multiple occasions last year. But the Austrian team gave him one more chance.
So far, it seems Red Bull doesn't have to search for a driver who can match the speed of the triple World Champion because they have the fastest car.
Moreover, it seems clear who their number one is, and the team doesn't have to worry about managing rivalry between the two teammates, at least.
On the one hand, Horner suggested Perez's performance in Bahrain is what he needs to deliver. On the other hand, the Mexican still finished 20 seconds behind Verstappen. Will such performances ultimately be enough to secure a seat with Red Bull for 2025?