In a physically gruelling Qatar Grand Prix where some drivers were reportedly close to passing out and others taken to the medical centre in the extreme heat, Perez climbed from a pitlane start to score a point in 10th place.
His pitlane start followed being taken out in a Saturday sprint race shunt with Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg. This required extensive repairs and new power unit parts, which were carried out outside of parc ferme rules to constitute a rules breach.
As team-mate Max Verstappen dominated the grand prix, Perez's race was notable for picking up three five-second penalties for exceeding track limits on six occasions.
After his messy race, Red Bull team principal Horner said Perez must be taken aside as the squad "desperately" needs him to rediscover his form to keep the runner-up spot.
"I think we really need to sit down with Checo because we know what he's capable of and he's not hitting that form at the moment," said Horner.
"We desperately need him to find that form to keep this second place in the championship.
Source: Autosport