Sergio Perez Drops Bombshell: Lewis Hamilton Would Flounder as Max Verstappen’s Teammate at Red Bull!
In a striking revelation that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, Sergio Perez has boldly claimed that even the legendary Lewis Hamilton and rising star Charles Leclerc would face monumental challenges if they found themselves alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. Perez, who shared the track with Verstappen for four demanding seasons, witnessed firsthand the unique trials that come with partnering the Dutch driver, who has nabbed four consecutive drivers’ titles during their time as teammates.
Reflecting on his turbulent 2024 season, where Perez finished a disappointing eighth in the standings, he now finds himself without a seat for the 2025 season. However, his struggles pale in comparison to the dire circumstances faced by fellow drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who have both floundered in the second Red Bull seat this year. This context puts Perez’s own performance into a stark perspective.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 ahead of his anticipated return with the newly entered Cadillac team, Perez expressed his reluctance to criticize fellow drivers: “I don’t like criticizing drivers that have been there because I was in that position and I know exactly what they are going through.” Yet, he didn’t hesitate to highlight the daunting reality of racing alongside Verstappen. “The minute I signed my exit from Red Bull, I knew ‘poor guy, who comes here, it’s a very difficult place,'” he admitted.
The Mexican driver elaborated on the unique pressure of being Verstappen’s teammate, declaring, “Being next to Max is very difficult, but being next to Max in Red Bull is something people don’t understand. There are so many things I could tell you, but it is simply a very difficult job for a driver.” He pointedly stated, “No driver can survive there. It doesn’t matter if you bring Hamilton, Leclerc. Whoever you bring there is going to struggle massively.” According to Perez, the core of the issue lies in Verstappen’s distinct driving style, which requires relentless adaptation from anyone sharing the cockpit with him.
Verstappen has long been labeled F1’s ultimate “team-mate killer,” as highly regarded competitors like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon quickly fell by the wayside before Perez’s arrival. This season, Lawson’s brief stint was cut short after just two races, and now Tsunoda’s future hangs in the balance as well. Despite some on-track clashes during their partnership, Perez maintains a surprisingly strong rapport with Verstappen, who has surged back into the title race this year, posing a significant threat to McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
“Max has been the action of the year. He’s keeping everyone watching F1,” Perez praised. “Somehow, they have transformed the season and with McLaren messing around, he has a chance of getting it done. I think he’s the driver who deserves the championship the most because he’s been driving phenomenally.”
As Perez looks to resurrect his career with Cadillac, he reflects on his past struggles, stating, “It took me about six months before I knew I wanted to come back. I wanted to finish my career properly.” He emphasized the necessity of finding the right project, revealing his excitement for the next chapter, “I’m very excited. I believe I still have a lot to give to the sport.”
With a fierce determination, Perez confidently claims, “I feel like people will be surprised at how competitive, how good I will be on my comeback.” He views this as his last chance to make a significant impact in the sport. “I have this final point to prove in my career and make sure I leave whenever I want to.”
As the adrenaline-fueled drama of Formula 1 continues, fans are gearing up for the electrifying Sao Paulo Grand Prix from November 7-9, where the battle for supremacy will intensify. This captivating saga is far from over, and all eyes will be on the returning Perez and the relentless Verstappen as they navigate the high-stakes world of motorsport.
