Perez on Verstappen: He 'Struggles' When Things Go Wrong

Sergio Perez has offered a candid look into the mindset of his former teammate, Max Verstappen, labeling him an incredible talent who "struggles a lot" when faced with adversity. The Mexican driver, who spent four seasons alongside the four-time champion at Red Bull, explained that Verstappen "transforms" into a different person inside the cockpit, a trait he believes is inseparable from his championship-winning mentality.

Why it matters:

As Verstappen's most competitive teammate since Daniel Ricciardo, Perez's insights provide a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on the psychology of F1's dominant driver. His comments illuminate the internal dynamics at Red Bull during their period of unparalleled success and explain the friction that arose when Perez dared to challenge the team's clear number one.

The details:

• Handling Adversity: Perez stated that while Verstappen is "mentally super-strong," he has a critical flaw. "When things turn against him, he struggles a lot to deal with it," Perez said, citing Verstappen's infamous collision with George Russell in Barcelona as a prime example of this side of his character.
• The Brazil 2022 Flashpoint: Tensions culminated in São Paulo, where Verstappen defied team orders to let Perez pass for sixth place, a position crucial for Perez's fight with Charles Leclerc for second in the championship. Verstappen's explosive radio message—"I told you already last summer, you guys don't ask that again to me"—shocked the team.
• The 'Transformation': Perez emphasized that Verstappen becomes a "different person" when racing. "Something happens with Max. When he’s in the car, he transforms," Perez explained. He noted that the team was surprised Verstappen brought up lingering issues from the season during the Brazil exchange, believing they had already been resolved.

Looking Ahead:

Perez's comments, made ahead of his return to F1 with Cadillac in 2026, reinforce the image of Verstappen as an uncompromising force whose ruthless competitive edge is both his greatest asset and the source of his most volatile moments. For any driver or team aiming to dethrone the champion, understanding this complex psychology is paramount.