In a candid display of loyalty, four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has come to the defense of his embattled teammate, Sergio Perez, as the Mexican driver faces imminent departure from Red Bull Racing. Despite Perez’s lackluster 2024 campaign, Verstappen praised his teammate’s contributions and personality, describing him as a “great guy” and a rare partner in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
Perez, who played a pivotal role in Verstappen’s maiden title win in 2021 and contributed to Red Bull’s first-ever drivers’ championship one-two finish last year, has struggled to maintain form in 2024. With his contract running until 2026, the ongoing negotiations about his exit underscore the severity of Red Bull’s concerns.
Verstappen’s Stand: Sympathy Amidst Criticism
Speaking ahead of Perez’s likely departure, Verstappen expressed frustration with the criticism aimed at his teammate.
“Honestly, it’s very rare that you have a teammate like him,” Verstappen said. “He’s always been very good and just a nice guy too.”
Acknowledging Perez’s steep decline in performance, Verstappen pointed to the challenges posed by Red Bull’s RB20—a car he has often criticized for its narrow operational window.
“I think people have been very harsh on him,” Verstappen said. “Of course, some weekends maybe could have been better, but the car has been difficult to drive. He’s not an idiot. He’s always been regarded as a great driver, and it’s been tough for everyone on the team.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Perez’s decline in form has been stark. After four podiums in the opening five races, the Mexican driver has failed to finish in the top three since. His post-summer break performance has been especially dismal, yielding just 21 points—fewer than Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and barely more than Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg.
Red Bull’s failure to defend its Constructors’ Championship, finishing 77 points behind McLaren, has intensified scrutiny on Perez, whose inconsistent results have highlighted his struggles against Verstappen’s dominance.
“Obviously, the benchmark is always your teammate,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. “Max has won nine races, taken 10 poles, and secured numerous podiums with this car. It’s a tough job to sit alongside him and extract the maximum.”
The Red Bull Dilemma
Red Bull’s decision to part ways with Perez stems not only from his performance slump but also from the team’s broader strategic goals. With McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes boasting formidable driver line-ups, Red Bull cannot afford a lopsided performance gap between its drivers.
“It’s crucial to have both drivers consistently scoring in the Constructors’ Championship,” Horner emphasized. “For us, it’s very important to address this imbalance and ensure we are in a strong position next year.”
A Legacy Tarnished by a Difficult Season
Perez’s contributions to Red Bull cannot be ignored. His strategic drives in 2021 and consistent scoring in 2022 were instrumental in securing team success. However, 2024 exposed his vulnerabilities in a fiercely competitive grid, leaving Red Bull little choice but to seek alternatives.
As Verstappen prepares to lead Red Bull into 2025 with a yet-to-be-confirmed teammate, his words for Perez reflect the bittersweet end of a partnership that once delivered glory.
“I work with him every weekend, and I’ve seen what he can do,” Verstappen concluded. “He’s a great driver, and I wish him the best for whatever comes next.”
What Lies Ahead for Red Bull?
Red Bull’s search for Perez’s replacement has intensified, with Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda emerging as potential candidates. As the team looks to regroup and challenge for both titles in 2025, its decision will not only shape the next chapter of Red Bull’s story but also set the tone for Verstappen’s continued dominance—or potential challenges—from within the garage.