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Sergio Perez exposes Max Verstappen’s hidden struggles: can he handle the pressure?

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
January 8, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Sergio Perez exposes Max Verstappen’s hidden struggles: can he handle the pressure?

Sergio Perez Unveils the Dark Side of Max Verstappen: ‘He Struggles When Things Go Wrong!’

In a gripping revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Sergio Perez has thrown Max Verstappen into the spotlight, exposing the hidden vulnerabilities of the two-time world champion. The seasoned driver, who is making his much-anticipated return to F1 with Cadillac after a tumultuous exit from Red Bull, has candidly discussed how Verstappen “transforms” behind the wheel—showcasing not only his unparalleled talent but also the darker aspects of his competitive nature.

As someone who spent four intense years alongside Verstappen in the high-stakes environment of Red Bull Racing, Perez has witnessed firsthand the psychological complexities of his former teammate. While Verstappen is celebrated for his mental fortitude and incredible driving skills, Perez highlights a critical flaw: when faced with adversity, Verstappen can falter. “He struggles a lot to deal with it when things turn against him,” Perez revealed on the Cracks Podcast, laying bare the psychological warfare that plays out on the track.

Verstappen, known for his fierce determination and unshakeable confidence, is undeniably a force to be reckoned with. However, Perez cautions that this same intensity can lead to explosive moments, such as the infamous clash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix last year. “Well, like what happened in Barcelona — he blocks, he has that side that, well, I think if he didn’t have it, he wouldn’t be Max either,” Perez pointed out, hinting at the duality of Verstappen’s persona.

The tension between the two drivers reached a boiling point during the 2022 season, a year marked by fierce competition and unyielding ambition. In a dramatic turn of events at the São Paulo Grand Prix, Verstappen’s refusal to follow team orders and allow Perez to pass ignited a firestorm of controversy. Despite already clinching the championship, Verstappen’s reaction—”I told you already last summer, you guys don’t ask that again to me. Are we clear about that?”—demonstrated the depths of his commitment to victory, even at the expense of team dynamics.

As the 2023 season dawned, both drivers found themselves embroiled in a bitter rivalry that would come to define their partnership. Perez, convinced he was in the running for the championship, faced a determined Verstappen who vowed never to let his teammate outshine him again. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, with Perez claiming pole position in Miami only to watch as Verstappen surged from ninth to victory—a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of Verstappen’s remarkable streak of nine consecutive wins and 16 out of the final 17 races.

Reflecting on the tumultuous events at Interlagos, Perez noted the fans’ outcry over Verstappen’s refusal to prioritize team strategy. “When people complained that he hadn’t let me pass, that he didn’t reward what I had done for him. I’d say: ‘Come on, you have to have that attitude of wanting to win them all to be world champion,'” he stated, underscoring the relentless mindset required to succeed at the highest level.

But therein lies the enigma of Verstappen—an exceptional driver who, according to Perez, undergoes a transformation when he steps into the cockpit. “Max is an excellent person, but something happens to him. When he’s in the car, he transforms — he’s a different person,” Perez asserted, hinting at the personal and psychological battles that accompany the pressure of elite competition.

As the F1 community braces for Perez’s comeback and the next chapter in Verstappen’s gripping saga, one thing is clear: the dynamic between these two drivers is anything but ordinary. With Perez shedding light on Verstappen’s struggles, the stage is set for a thrilling season that promises to deliver both breathtaking racing and intense drama. Stay tuned, because the world of Formula 1 is about to get a lot more intriguing!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-formula-1-seasonaction-express-cadillacmax-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racingSergio Pérez
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