Missed Victory and Heartbreak in Baku: Horner Claims Perez’s Azerbaijan GP Win Thwarted by Clash with Sainz

Christian Horner, deeply disappointed, suggests Sergio Perez had a shot at winning the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Horner's opinion on the collision between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz

Christian Horner was adamant that Sergio Perez had the potential to win the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix if not for the bad luck that affected his performance.

In a fierce contest for third position during the second-to-last lap, Red Bull's Perez and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz collided, resulting in both drivers crashing into the barrier.

Perez expressed his frustration explicitly through a profane outburst on the team radio.

He was previously held up behind Lando Norris, making it too challenging for him to catch up with race victor Oscar Piastri.

Red Bull's disheartened team leader Horner expressed to Sky Sports regarding Perez, "He was worthy of much more. Carlos veers across the track.

"Truly disheartening. At minimum, he deserved a spot on the podium."

"It ruined Checo's race, inflicted significant damage, and led to a substantial loss of crucial points in the constructors' championship."

Officials decided against intervening following their probe into the matter.

Red Bull relinquished their top position in the constructors' standings to McLaren at Baku, following Piastri's victory and Norris securing fourth place.

Horner was questioned on whether Perez had the potential to overtake Piastri before his collision with Sainz.

"He described it as challenging," he replied. "Regrettably, he fell significantly behind schedule during his initial laps following Alex Albon.

Subsequently, Lando's mistake proved costly, allowing Oscar to gain a favorable position on the track.

Without it, he would have emerged victorious in today's race.

"It's a tough blow for the team, having a podium finish slip away in the final moments of the race."

Why did Perez outpace Verstappen?

Formula 1 star Max Verstappen had to settle for a disappointing fifth place in Azerbaijan.

Horner clarified the reason behind Perez's speed, stating, "He discovered an effective pace and configuration.

"Checo's vehicle showed impressive speed today. It's possible that we implemented a few changes to Max's car that didn't perform as expected."

"We wore out the tires battling for an extended duration.

"Observe George Russell's approach. He begins at a measured pace, gradually picks up momentum, and ultimately has a more advantageous tyre condition towards the finish."

"It's genuinely quite aggravating."

Horner remarked on McLaren leading the constructors' championship, noting, "There's still plenty of racing ahead."

"The competition at the forefront was truly splendid, lasting numerous laps."

"It's unfortunate that it ended in such a manner when it wasn't necessary."

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