Horner over Pérez: "Difficult Decision"
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has admitted that the decision to replace Sergio Pérez with Daniel Ricciardo for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix was a "difficult one".
The news of Pérez's absence, due to a crash in qualifying that left him with a fractured hand, sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world. Ricciardo, who was initially considered a reserve driver for the team, stepped in to fill the void, marking his return to racing after a year on the sidelines.
Speaking after the Canadian Grand Prix, Horner expressed his sympathy for Pérez and highlighted the challenging circumstances surrounding the decision.
"It was a very difficult decision, obviously, for Checo," Horner said. "He was in a lot of pain. We had to take the best decision for the team in the circumstances. It was a very unfortunate accident and we're hoping that Checo will be back as soon as possible."
Horner further emphasized the importance of keeping the championship momentum going, citing Ricciardo's experience as a key factor in the decision.
"Daniel is a very experienced driver," Horner explained. "He knows the car, he knows the team, and he was able to come in and do a great job. We're confident that he can continue to contribute to the team's success."
While Pérez's absence was a blow, the team's performance in Canada, with Ricciardo securing a podium finish, provided a boost of confidence.
"Daniel's performance was exceptional," Horner said. "He was right there with Max [Verstappen] all weekend. It's a fantastic result for him and for the team."
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to Pérez's recovery. The team remains hopeful that he will return to the cockpit soon, but they are also prepared for the possibility of further changes to the driver lineup, depending on the recovery timeline.
The decision to replace Pérez with Ricciardo in Canada underscores the dynamic nature of Formula 1. It highlights the importance of having a strong team and the ability to adapt quickly to unexpected challenges. The future of Pérez's position with Red Bull remains uncertain, but the team's commitment to success is clear.