Sergio Perez Speaks Out: The Harsh Reality of Red Bull’s Struggling Stars Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Sergio Perez has opened up about the dismal performances of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull Racing. The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Perez, who was unceremoniously dropped from the team after a lackluster finale that saw him scoring a mere 48 points in the last 17 races. Entering the spotlight as Max Verstappen’s former teammate, Perez has now turned his gaze toward the underwhelming efforts of his successors.
Liam Lawson’s brief tenure at Red Bull was nothing short of disastrous. After just two races—without a single point to his name—Lawson was ousted in favor of Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver, however, has hardly fared better, managing to accumulate a paltry seven points over 12 races, with a mere three points earned during the Miami Sprint. Since finishing 10th at Imola, Tsunoda has been unable to add to that total, leaving fans to wonder why Red Bull, the powerhouse of Formula 1, is struggling to find a competent second driver alongside Verstappen, who has amassed a staggering 187 points out of Red Bull’s 194.
In light of these events and following his announcement as a driver for Cadillac in the 2026 season, Perez shared his candid thoughts on the struggles faced by Lawson and Tsunoda. He suggested that their difficulties have illuminated just how formidable his own performances were during his time at Red Bull. “It is just the whole dynamics of the team,” Perez explained to Sky Sports F1. “They have a unique talent with Max, and when you get there, the development curve they have, it is very difficult for the second driver to adapt to the car.”
Perez stressed the singular nature of the Red Bull car, emphasizing its requirement for a distinctive driving style. “It is a very, very unique car which requires a very unique driving style that I managed to survive for many years,” he stated. However, he also acknowledged the challenges that come with it, especially under varying weather conditions. “As soon as there was a variable with the rain, with the wind, it just became undrivable. Then you start making mistakes one after the other, you are losing confidence.”
The Mexican driver, who faced immense pressure from both the team and the media, reflected on his mental fortitude that allowed him to endure and perform. “I was super strong mentally, and that is why I survived there for so long. Now you realize the job I did in that car and that team.”
As the Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve, the question looms: can Red Bull find a driver capable of harnessing the power of their uniquely challenging car? With Perez’s insights highlighting the struggles of both Lawson and Tsunoda, fans and pundits alike are left to ponder the team’s future and the potential for a turnaround in their fortunes. The stage is set for a thrilling return at the Dutch Grand Prix, but one thing is clear—the pressure is on for Red Bull to deliver or risk falling further behind in the cutthroat world of Formula 1.
