Formula One sport heavily depends on a car’s technical aspects. Meanwhile, the drivers focus more on the mechanical part, trying their best to utilize any racing machine. This is where a race engineer works as a bridge between the technical team and the driver. The race engineer ensures communication and analyzes data to improve performance.
Therefore, a great race engineer could help any racer yield maximum output. Recently, Sergio Perez’s engineer has been under heavy scrutiny. Hugh Bird has been with Checo since 2021, helping to improve as a racer. However, the Mexican racer has been in a severe slump since the Miami GP. The 34-year-old driver has been facing a massive backlash as he continues underperforming. Now, the focus has shifted to Hugh Bird, and a few fans questioned his position on the team. Following this unnecessary scrutiny, Christian Horner stepped up to defend his team member.
“Hugh Does A Super Job,” Horner Backs His Engineer Despite Constant Criticism
In the Mexican GP press conference, Christian Horner addressed recent criticism of race engineer Hugh Bird and praised his work with Sergio Perez. Horner emphasized that Bird has been a valuable asset, working tirelessly for both Perez and the team. He highlighted the unfairness of outside criticism, pointing out that most critics lack a true understanding of Bird’s role and the challenges he manages. According to Horner, Bird’s commitment and skill are evident to those who see his work firsthand.
Horner also commented on the impact of Formula 1’s increased media exposure, noting that while greater access has helped bring the sport closer to fans, it has also led to a surge of uninformed opinions from “armchair experts.” He suggested that while more people are following F1, many criticisms come from those with only a minimal grasp of the facts. For Horner, this external scrutiny overlooks the professionalism and dedication of team members like Bird, who work behind the scenes to ensure top performance.
Sergio Perez Hails “Bulletproof” Bond with Race Engineer Hugh Bird
In October 2023, Sergio Perez shared insights into his strong relationship with his race engineer, Hugh Bird, describing their partnership as “bulletproof.” In his conversation with F1.com, Perez highlighted one crucial quality that has strengthened their bond over the years: a shared focus on returning quickly from challenges. He explained that both he and Bird are determined to move forward after setbacks, avoiding any prolonged frustration or blame.
Perez noted that this mindset has been a fundamental part of their dynamic. On tough days, they don’t dwell on disappointments; instead, they immediately start planning how to overcome the situation. This proactive approach keeps their trust in each other intact, allowing them to stay motivated and aligned. According to Perez, their consistent drive to target the next goal makes their working relationship highly resilient, allowing them to maintain focus and positivity even during challenging times.