Title: Sergio Pérez Unveils the Shocking Reality of His Tenure at Red Bull Racing: “Everything Was a Problem”
In a candid reflection that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Sergio Pérez has lifted the veil on his tumultuous stint with Red Bull Racing, revealing a cutthroat internal culture that made every achievement feel like a double-edged sword. The Mexican driver’s journey, marked by intense competition and relentless pressure, paints a vivid picture of life under the shadow of teammate Max Verstappen.
Pérez, who joined Red Bull at the start of 2021 to replace Alex Albon, experienced moments of glory alongside Verstappen, even clinching race victories and engaging in fierce battles for podium finishes. His impressive performance led him to finish second in the championship in 2023, helping the team secure a coveted one-two finish in the standings. However, this success was overshadowed by the mounting challenges he faced, ultimately culminating in his departure from the team at the end of the 2024 season.
The 2024 season began with promise, yet Pérez’s performance took a nosedive as he struggled to adapt to the car’s technical evolutions, which were frequently tailored to Verstappen’s driving style. “The best results came early in the season when the car had characteristics that gave me more confidence,” he stated, highlighting how crucial the car’s setup was to his competitiveness.
Pérez’s reflections on his time at Red Bull reveal a landscape fraught with complications. “We had the best team. Unfortunately, everything ended up crumbling. I think we had the conditions to dominate the sport for the next ten years,” he remarked, expressing his disillusionment with the internal dynamics of the team.
Describing the unique challenges of being Verstappen’s teammate, Pérez didn’t hold back: “Being Max’s teammate at Red Bull is, by far, the best and the worst job in Formula 1. It’s extremely difficult. When I joined Red Bull and started getting results, everyone forgot how challenging it was to occupy that seat. I knew exactly what I was getting into.”
The pressure was relentless; Pérez explained that any sign of superiority on the track was met with unease within the team. “At Red Bull, everything was a problem. If I was too fast, it was a problem. If I was faster than Max, it was a problem. If I was slower, that was also a problem. Everything was a problem. I learned a lot. Instead of complaining about the circumstances, I had to make the best of them and get the most out of what I had.”
After parting ways with Red Bull, Pérez is set to return to the Formula 1 grid in 2026, joining forces with Cadillac in a multi-year contract alongside Valtteri Bottas. This new chapter presents him with a golden opportunity to redefine his legacy and close his career on a high note.
As the F1 world processes Pérez’s revelations, one thing is clear: the glamorous façade of Formula 1 can often mask an environment rife with pressure and internal strife, a truth that Pérez has bravely brought to light. Will this candid insight reshape how fans and teams view the dynamics of competition in the world’s most elite motorsport? Only time will tell.
