Sergio Perez says 'everything was a problem' at Red Bull

Sergio Perez has opened up about his tumultuous final season at Red Bull, revealing that he faced constant complaints and a 'very tense environment' where 'everything was a problem,' regardless of his performance relative to teammate Max Verstappen. The Mexican driver described being Verstappen's teammate as both 'the best and the worst job in F1,' highlighting the immense pressure and political complexities within the team that ultimately led to his departure.

Why it matters:

Perez's candid comments provide a rare glimpse into the intense internal dynamics at Red Bull, a team known for its dominance but also its high-pressure culture. His experience underscores the immense challenge of being Max Verstappen's teammate, where success can create as much friction as failure, offering crucial context for understanding driver dynamics at the top of Formula 1.

The Details:

• A 'Complicated' Environment: Perez described Red Bull as a 'complicated team' where being Verstappen's teammate was uniquely difficult. He stated that if he was faster than Max, it 'created a very tense environment,' and if he was slower, it was also a problem.
• The 'Best and Worst Job': He labeled the role as 'the best and the worst job in F1, by far,' acknowledging the incredible machinery at his disposal but also the impossible political situation he navigated.
• Forgotten Struggles: Perez felt that people quickly forgot how difficult the seat was when he initially delivered strong results, including a second-place finish in the 2023 championship.
• Upgrade Sensitivity: A recurring issue for Perez was his struggle to adapt to car upgrades, which were often tailored to Verstappen's driving style, leading to a performance dip in the latter half of seasons.
• A Lost Opportunity: He lamented the collapse of a team he believed could have 'dominate[d] the sport for the next 10 years,' suggesting the internal tensions squandered a period of potential unparalleled success.

What's next:

Now with Cadillac for 2026, Perez is looking to reset his career in a new environment. His move to the American outfit represents a chance to escape the shadow of Verstappen and prove his worth as a leading driver without the intense political baggage of his former team. His experience will undoubtedly be a valuable asset as Cadillac builds its F1 project from the ground up.