Jos Verstappen Dismisses Perez's 'Red Bull Built for Max' Claims

Sergio Perez's recent comments about the 'impossible' task of being Max Verstappen's Red Bull teammate have drawn a sharp retort from Max's father, Jos Verstappen. Perez claimed no driver, not even Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc, could 'survive' alongside Max, stating the car is constantly adapted to his needs. Jos vehemently denied this, asserting that while Max provides feedback, the notion of the car being 'built around him' is false.

Why it matters:

• This exchange highlights the intense pressure and perceived inequality within top F1 teams, particularly when one driver dominates.
• It brings into question whether Red Bull's design philosophy inherently favors Max's unique driving style or if his adaptability is simply superior.
• The debate fuels ongoing discussions about driver-centric car development versus a more neutral approach, impacting team dynamics and driver market perceptions.

The Details:

• Perez's Claim: Sergio Perez, who departed Red Bull at the end of 2024, described being Max's teammate as an 'impossible' role, stating the car requires 'constant adapting to the needs of Max'. He suggested even top drivers like Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc would 'struggle massively' in that position.
• Jos Verstappen's Rebuttal: Max's father, Jos Verstappen, dismissed Perez's theory. While acknowledging he 'would say the same thing' if in Perez's shoes, he firmly stated, "I and everyone who is close to the action know that this is not the case."
• Max's Adaptability: Jos emphasized Max's unique ability to 'adapt to the car in all circumstances' and clarified that while Max gives feedback, it's 'normal' and not indicative of the car being exclusively tailored to him.
• Performance Gap: Jos pointed to the 'enormous' performance difference between Max and his teammates, arguing it's a testament to Max's skill in turning an 'inferior car into a winning car' rather than a car built specifically for him.
• Teammate Struggles: Following Perez's departure, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have struggled to match Verstappen's pace, with the performance gap arguably widening. Tsunoda has scored just 25 points to Verstappen's 321 this season.

The Big Picture:

This debate is not new in Formula 1. Dominant drivers often face accusations that their team's car is specifically designed to suit them, making it harder for teammates. While driver feedback is crucial for development, the extent to which a car is 'built around' a single driver is always a contentious point.

What's next:

• The discussion will likely continue as Red Bull seeks a new teammate for Max, with Racing Bull's Isack Hadjar emerging as a potential contender for 2026.
• Any new teammate will face immense pressure, and their performance relative to Max will invariably reignite this debate.
• Max Verstappen continues his charge for a fifth Drivers' title, having narrowed his deficit to Lando Norris to 36 points with four rounds remaining, further reinforcing his exceptional ability regardless of the car's perceived bias.