Sergio Perez: From Red Bull’s Downfall to Cadillac’s Renaissance – Is He Really a Bad Driver?
The Formula 1 world is buzzing with speculation following Sergio Perez’s tumultuous exit from Red Bull and his surprising shift to Cadillac for the 2026 season. Critics are quick to label him a mediocre driver, but a deeper analysis reveals that this narrative is far from the truth.
With a remarkable record of six Grand Prix victories, 39 podium finishes, and three pole positions under his belt, Perez’s credentials speak volumes. His extensive experience, spanning 281 races with Sauber, McLaren, and Force India/Racing Point, showcases his adaptability across various racing eras and teams. Yet, the last 18 months at Red Bull saw his reputation plummet amidst a series of unfortunate events.
So, what went wrong for Perez at Red Bull? The answer lies in a complex web of technical challenges and team dynamics. Struggling to comprehend the intricacies of the 2023 and 2024 Red Bull cars, Perez found himself overshadowed by teammate Max Verstappen’s stellar performances, which included numerous poles and victories. Verstappen himself defended Perez, stating, “I find people have been very harsh on him… He’s always been regarded as a great driver, and it’s been tough for everyone in the team because sometimes it was just very difficult to drive.”
Despite having the support of a four-time world champion, Perez’s struggles were evident. Red Bull’s management, including team principal Christian Horner, acknowledged a misstep in their development strategy around the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix, a pivotal moment when Perez’s issues began to surface. Ignoring his concerns while focusing on Verstappen’s dominance only exacerbated his plight, leading to a mere five podium finishes post-Spanish GP and a series of crashes across multiple races.
The following season initially offered hope, with Perez securing four podiums in the early races. However, as the competition intensified with McLaren’s resurgence, the same car issues resurfaced, plunging him into a confidence crisis. By the end of the season, he was languishing in eighth place, a staggering 300 points behind Verstappen and yet to claim a win, ultimately leading to his departure from Red Bull in favor of rookie Liam Lawson.
But here’s the twist: Lawson’s subsequent struggles at Red Bull have inadvertently salvaged Perez’s reputation. The young New Zealander failed to adapt to the challenging RB21, crashing out in his debut and facing a dismal performance thereafter. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, who was also brought in to replace Perez, has faced similar issues, demonstrating that the problems plaguing Red Bull’s car extend beyond just one driver.
Now, as Perez signs on with Cadillac for the upcoming F1 season, there’s a palpable sense of optimism surrounding his potential resurgence. The new environment could rekindle the competitive fire that once saw him excel in 2020, where he finished fourth in the standings and clinched the Sakhir GP victory.
This transition presents a golden opportunity for Perez to redefine his legacy within the sport. If he can harness the confidence and performance required, there’s no telling how far he could go with Cadillac. So, is Sergio Perez a bad driver? Absolutely not. Instead, he emerges as a seasoned competitor ready for a comeback, and the racing world will be watching closely as he embarks on this new chapter. The road to 2026 is just beginning, and the excitement is palpable.