Montoya Criticizes Perez for Constant Red Bull Complaints

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has dismissed Sergio Perez's recent complaints about his treatment at Red Bull, stating the driver knew exactly what he was signing up for as Max Verstappen's teammate. Montoya argued that despite the clear #1 driver status, Red Bull provided Perez with a competitive car that yielded five wins and a second-place championship finish. The former champion's comments add another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding Perez's turbulent final season with the team.

Why it matters:

This public spat highlights the immense pressure and clear hierarchy within a top team like Red Bull, where one driver is unequivocally the focus. It adds to the complex legacy of Perez's time at Red Bull—a period of notable success but also perceived underperformance and public friction. Montoya's perspective, as a former champion, carries weight and challenges the narrative that Perez was purely a victim of circumstance, shifting some focus back to his own accountability.

The details:

• Perez recently stated that at Red Bull, "everything was a problem" and it was made clear the team belonged to Verstappen, fueling the narrative of an unfair environment.
• On his podcast, Montoya countered that Perez "knew what he was getting into" and questioned how much he could complain after achieving five wins with the team.
• A nuanced take: Montoya did acknowledge Perez's point about the car sometimes being "undrivable" but emphasized that "there were also many good things" and that Perez "did an excellent job" when comfortable in the machinery.
• This exchange follows Perez's difficult 2024 season, where a sharp decline in form led to his departure from Red Bull and a subsequent move to Cadillac for 2026.

Looking ahead:

Perez is set to join the new Cadillac team for the 2026 season, offering him a fresh start away from the intense pressure of a top-tier team. His performance with the American outfit will be closely watched, as it will be a chance to prove his capabilities outside the Verstappen-centric environment. This latest criticism from a respected figure like Montoya serves as a reminder that Perez will need to manage his narrative and deliver strong results to reshape his reputation in the sport.