Sergio Perez Reveals Red Bull Paid £6,000 for a Single Psychologist Call

Sergio Perez has revealed that Red Bull once paid a staggering £6,000 for a single psychologist session to help him cope with the intense pressure of racing for the team. The Mexican driver disclosed that the suggestion for therapy came early in his tenure when he struggled to deliver results alongside Max Verstappen. Perez's candid comments shed light on the severe mental toll of his time at the team, which ultimately ended with his departure after the 2024 season.

Why it matters:

Perez's revelation offers a rare, unfiltered look into the immense psychological demands placed on Formula 1 drivers, especially at a top-tier team like Red Bull. It highlights the stark contrast in pressure between a driver fighting to justify their seat and a reigning World Champion teammate operating with full support. The story underscores that performance in F1 is not just about raw talent but also about mental fortitude and the critical role of a supportive team environment.

The details:

• The £6,000 Call: Perez recounted being told by the team he needed a psychologist after a slow start in 2021. He later received a bill for £6,000 for a single one-hour call, which he promptly sent to advisor Helmut Marko, joking, "He'll pay it."
• Internal Pressure: Perez described a deeply challenging environment, stating, "on top of that you have your whole team against you. Publicly it was very difficult." He felt that only someone "very mentally strong" could endure such a situation.
• Car Confidence Issues: A major factor in his struggles was a fundamental lack of confidence in the car. He explained, "when you have a car where you’re thinking about what’s going to happen... in which corner you’re going to crash, you can’t go fast."
• Performance Decline: Despite being a consistent podium finisher and occasional race winner, Perez's performance relative to Verstappen consistently lagged. This culminated in a dramatic collapse in 2024 with the tricky RB20 car, leading directly to his exit from the team.

What's next:

After sitting out the 2025 season, Perez is set for a return to the grid in 2026 with the new Cadillac F1 team. This move represents a crucial fresh start for the 36-year-old veteran, taking him out of the Red Bull pressure cooker and into a new-entrant environment where his experience will be paramount. His journey, including these public revelations about mental health, could prove invaluable for a new team building its culture from the ground up.