Horner 'impressed' by Ricciardo in Mexico: 'This is the Daniel we used to see!' »

Will this Mexican weekend be the one that will shake up the end of the season? Formula 1 ? At the end of the Mexican Grand Prix, we say to ourselves that the craziest rumors are perhaps not that crazy. A big winner, Daniel Ricciardo, and a big loser, Sergio Pérez, leave Mexico with either certainties or doubts. In the midst of rumors about the future of “Checo” within the family Red Bull, the Australian certainly scored big points.

Fourth on the grid, seventh at the finish with a pace comparable to Mercedes, Daniel Ricciardo achieved quite a feat with theAlpha Tauri for only his 4th Grand Prix since his return mid-season. A performance which did not go unnoticed by the Red Bull clan, and in particular by Christian Horner.

“We can only be impressed by Daniel [Ricciardo] this weekend, declared the main director of the Austrian team to the British media Sky Sports. His qualification was exceptional and he showed his maturity, experience and pace in the race. Fighting with a Mercedes in an AlphaTauri to get your best result of the year was a great achievement. If it hadn't been for the red flag, he could have finished even higher. »

"You couldn't fail to be impressed by Daniel this weekend" 👏

Christian Horner with nothing but praise for Daniel Ricciardo this weekend 🤝 pic.twitter.com/DC8tmeK5Jo

- Sky Sports F1 (@ SkySportsF1) October 29, 2023

Ricciardo in good shape, Pérez in poor form

Thanks to his six points scored in Mexico, Daniel Ricciardo allows AlphaTauri to move up to 8th place in the Manufacturers' championship, ahead of Alfa Romeo et Haas. Christian Horner also highlighted the return to form of his former foal, particularly on a mental level, after several laborious years at McLaren. “He's had a tough time over the last couple of months having to sit on the sidelines, but this is the Daniel we're used to seeing. His confidence is rising! »

In a context where Sergio Pérez is in danger, it is difficult not to see a sign in these declarations. Despite the British leader's unconditional support for his Mexican driver, Christian Horner is delighted by the level displayed by Daniel Ricciardo. “Checo [Pérez] just needs a result that boosts his confidence. He could have had it today but he didn't, but it's great to see Daniel back to his old self. »

ALSO READ > Leclerc regrets the boos from the Mexican fans: “I had nowhere to go! »