Perez opens up about his 'extremely demanding' role as Red Bull's second driver

Sergio Perez has admitted he knew his role at Red Bull was to support Max Verstappen from the very beginning, describing his time with the team as "extremely demanding" due to the team's clear hierarchy. The Mexican driver, now set to return to F1 with Cadillac, reflected that leaving Red Bull was ultimately "the best thing" for his career.

Why it matters:

Perez's candid comments provide a rare, unfiltered look into the dynamics of being a designated second driver at a top team, especially one built around a generational talent like Verstappen. His experience highlights the professional and personal challenges drivers face when their primary role is support, not championship contention, a reality for many in the sport's current competitive structure.

The details:

• Perez stated he understood the team's project was "developed for Verstappen" from day one and that he "couldn't go against the system," acknowledging the political and sporting interests at play.
• He revealed his initial pace made the team "nervous," suggesting any threat to the established order was quickly managed.
• Despite the difficulties, Perez expressed gratitude for the opportunity but emphasized the toll it took, calling the conditions "extremely demanding."
• His strategy focused on longevity, noting that "drivers don't last long" in such roles and are often forgotten, which informed his decision to secure a future elsewhere.

What's next:

Perez is preparing for his F1 comeback with the Cadillac project for the 2026 season. Away from F1, Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo has publicly expressed hope that Perez will one day join the electric championship, offering a potential "home" after his Grand Prix career. For now, Perez's focus is on rebuilding his reputation in a new environment where he can potentially lead a project, rather than support one.