Perez's 'Perhaps' Reply to Verstappen Troll Caps Red Bull Exit Saga

Sergio Perez landed a wry one-word jab at critics with his 'Perhaps' Twitter reply to a meme referencing his Red Bull exit—highlighting how his 2024 struggles ultimately looked less damaging than the team's disastrous 2025 driver carousel. While Perez scored 152 points to Max Verstappen's 437 last season, his replacements fared worse: Liam Lawson managed three Q1 exits in two races before Yuki Tsunoda's 30-point campaign ended with an Abu Dhabi test where he claimed the RB20 'suited his style' despite clear evidence otherwise.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's driver gamble backfired spectacularly, costing them third in the 2024 Constructors' standings and exposing flawed evaluation processes. Perez's quiet redemption—bolstered by social media clout and a competitive seat at Cadillac—underscores how F1's narrative whiplash can reshape careers. His departure now appears less about performance deficit and more about the team's miscalculation in replacing a proven race winner.

The details:

• 2024 context: Perez's 152-point season (0 wins) drew heavy criticism, leading to his exit despite Red Bull's early-season contract extension aimed at boosting his confidence.
• Replacement failures: Lawson's confidence issues manifested in Q1 exits at Australia and China Sprints, while Tsunoda scored just 30 points across 22 races—failing to validate his Abu Dhabi test claims about car compatibility.
• Testing resurgence: Perez recently completed 183 laps in a disguised Ferrari-powered Cadillac prototype at Imola, impressing team principal Graeme Lowdow with his physical readiness and adaptability.
  • Mechanics noted his smooth integration with new crew members during ERS emergency simulations and neck strain management—critical for modern F1 cars.
  • Lowdow emphasized Perez's 'proper racing driver' mentality: 'He coped incredibly well physically... it was super useful for everyone to align procedures.'

What's next:

Perez enters 2026 with renewed purpose at Cadillac, leveraging his experience to help develop the American team's inaugural challenger. His Imola test signals strong physical and technical readiness after 10 months away from race machinery—a stark contrast to Tsunoda's abrupt Red Bull exit. While Verstappen pursues a fourth title, Perez's journey proves F1 second acts remain viable: Cadillac gains a podium-caliber driver who understands pressure, having survived Red Bull's win-now culture. The real test comes in pre-season testing when the ATS-01 hits the track, but Perez's 'Perhaps' tweet already cemented his place in this season's most ironic storyline—a reminder that in F1, today's scapegoat can become tomorrow's savvy veteran.