Sergio Perez Breaks Silence on Turbulent Red Bull Tenure: ‘Everything Was a Problem!’
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the motorsport world, Sergio Perez has opened up about his tumultuous stint with Red Bull Racing, candidly stating, “everything was a problem.” After joining the powerhouse team at the start of the 2021 season to fill the shoes of Alex Albon, Perez’s journey with Red Bull has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, culminating in his departure at the end of 2024. However, the Mexican driver is set to make a comeback this year with Cadillac on a multi-year contract, teaming up with Valtteri Bottas, and he’s determined to finish his career on a high note.
The 35-year-old driver initially made waves alongside Max Verstappen, even managing to outpace the four-time world champion on occasion. In 2023, Perez finished a commendable second in the championship standings, helping Red Bull secure its first one-two finish in the drivers’ championship. Yet, it all took a nosedive in 2024, where a string of disappointing performances led to his split from the team.
Reflecting on his Red Bull experience during an interview on the Crack podcast, Perez revealed the harsh realities of competing in a high-pressure environment. “We had the best team. Unfortunately, everything fell apart,” he lamented. “We had the team to dominate the sport for the next 10 years, I think.” The pressure of being Verstappen’s teammate—often viewed as both a dream and a nightmare—was palpable. “Being Max’s teammate at Red Bull is the best and the worst job in F1, by far,” he added.
As Perez navigated the complexities of his role, he faced relentless scrutiny and tension within the team. “Everyone forgot how difficult it was to be in that seat,” he stated, underscoring the immense pressure that come with the territory. Despite his best efforts, he found himself grappling with the consequences of racing against one of the sport’s elite. “If I was very fast, it was a problem. If I was slower than Max, it was a problem. So everything was a problem,” he admitted.
The introduction of car upgrades tailored to Verstappen’s driving style only exacerbated Perez’s challenges. His most successful races came early in the season when the car was heaviest, a configuration that seemingly boosted his confidence. But as the season progressed, the disparities in performance became glaringly apparent.
In a poignant reflection on his time at Red Bull, Perez acknowledged the lessons learned amid the chaos. “I also learned a lot,” he said. “Instead of complaining, I have to make the best of it and get the most out of it.”
As Perez prepares for his new chapter with Cadillac, fans and critics alike are eager to see how he will leverage his experiences from Red Bull to carve out a successful second act in Formula 1. Will this be the comeback he’s been waiting for, or will the shadow of his Red Bull experience linger? One thing is for sure: the world of Formula 1 will be watching closely.
