Red Bull's driver line-up of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez is the best in the team's history, according to Christian Horner.
The team principal has a very well-informed view on that subject – he has led Red Bull ever since they first entered Formula 1 back in 2005. During that time Horner has seen plenty of driver come and go, including a few extra special ones.
Partnerships have always been a bit of a problem, particularly in recent years. After Daniel Ricciardo left, Red Bull tried both Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, but neither did enough to prove they were the right team-mate for Verstappen.
Perez is heading into his third season in that seat, and his current contract guarantees a fourth. Even though the Mexican has had some success, 15 wins for Verstappen last year compared to his two shows a rather one-sided partnership.
Plus, there are questions over how well they actually get along, as a result of their clash at the Brazilian Grand Prix last November. Perhaps with that in mind, Horner showered the pairing with praise as he spoke about them at their 2023 season launch event.
"We're very lucky we got two fantastic drivers and you know their combined efforts the last two years have been stunning," he said. "That first drivers' world championship for Max in '21 and then the double championship last year and winning 17 Grands Prix between the two of them.
"First and third in in the drivers' championship and, of course, bringing home that constructors' championship back to Oracle Red Bull Racing for the first time in eight years. And, you know, these guys, I think it's the best pairing we've ever had in Formula 1. It's been hugely successful.
While it would be hard to argue against it being one of Red Bull's stronger partnerships, Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle baulked at the suggestion it is their very best ever. "What does Christian mean when he says best?" the former F1 driver asked.
"Does he mean that they fit together well in the combo? In other words that Sergio is probably a little bit more compliant than Mark Webber or Sebastian Vettel would have been. So odd in that respect but Christian's got the data and that's what he thinks and he's the boss. If they're the two you've got going into the season ahead, why not say nice things about them?"
