Montoya Dismisses Perez's Red Bull Complaints: 'He Knew What He Was Getting Into'

Juan Pablo Montoya has firmly dismissed Sergio Perez's recent complaints about his treatment at Red Bull, arguing that the Mexican driver has little grounds to gripe given the career revival and status the team provided him. Montoya insists Perez was fully aware of the #2 driver dynamic from the outset and reaped the benefits of being in a championship-winning car.

Why it matters:

As Perez prepares for his comeback with Cadillac in 2026, the debate over his Red Bull legacy highlights the brutal reality of Formula 1 politics. While Perez recently claimed the team atmosphere was toxic and the car was developed solely for Max Verstappen, Montoya's counter-narrative emphasizes the tangible successes—five wins and a rescued career—that should define Perez's time at Milton Keynes.

The Reality of the Deal:

• No Illusions: Montoya pointed out that Perez himself admitted he knew the score, referencing Christian Horner's frank admission that "this project was created for Max."
• Career Resurrection: Before joining Red Bull, Perez was at risk of fading into obscurity after 2020. Montoya argues that Red Bull gave him a platform to secure five Grand Prix wins and become a title contender in the eyes of the public.
• The "Hero to Zero" Factor: Montoya stressed the fleeting nature of F1 relevance, comparing Perez's situation to drivers like Nyck de Vries and Jack Doohan who were quickly forgotten. He believes Red Bull transformed Perez's image from a mid-pack driver to a respected figure in the sport's history.

Looking Ahead:

While Perez described an environment where his pace was criticized regardless of whether he was faster or slower than Verstappen, Montoya views the tenure as a net positive. As Perez looks to the future with Cadillac, the question remains whether he can recapture the form that made him a vital asset to Red Bull's 2021 title campaign without the team's dominant resources.