Sergio Perez has shattered the silence surrounding his tumultuous time at Red Bull Racing, delivering a blistering critique that exposes the inner turmoil of one of Formula 1’s most dominant teams. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Perez revealed the harsh realities he faced as Max Verstappen’s teammate, and his words are sending shockwaves through the paddock.
After months of speculation and whispers about his struggles, Perez has finally pulled back the curtain on the truth. He candidly admitted that Red Bull’s car is tailored exclusively for Verstappen, making it nearly impossible for any second driver to adapt. “It’s a very unique car,” Perez stated, underscoring the relentless pressure he endured. “Survive, not race,” he emphasized, a stark admission that encapsulated his experience at the team.
His revelations extend beyond mere setup issues. Perez described the car as “undrivable” under challenging conditions, a damning indictment of Red Bull’s internal culture that has long been the topic of conversation among fans and insiders. “You are losing confidence,” he confessed, painting a vivid picture of the mental strain that accompanied his time in the cockpit.
As the Formula 1 community digests these explosive comments, Perez is not just recounting past grievances; he is rewriting the narrative that has defined his career. With new talents like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda struggling to find their footing in the same car, Perez’s insights resonate even more profoundly. “It is very, very difficult,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those who dare to step into the second seat.
But the drama doesn’t end there. Perez revealed that while Red Bull was still publicly supporting him, Cadillac was already in talks for his next chapter, a revelation that adds another layer of intrigue to his departure. “I couldn’t afford to leave the way I left,” he stated, signaling a desire to return on his own terms.
Now, as he prepares for a new beginning with Cadillac, Perez is embracing a fresh perspective. “I want to enjoy the sport that I love,” he declared, indicating a shift from survival to revival. His upcoming return is not just about reclaiming his place on the grid; it’s about redefining what it means to be a driver in Formula 1.
With the 2026 regulations on the horizon, Perez is betting on a new era that could level the playing field. “I do expect that the new regulations will suit my style,” he asserted, hinting at a future where he can thrive rather than merely survive.
As the dust settles on this explosive interview, the question looms: Did Red Bull craft a perfect machine for one driver while undermining all others? Sergio Perez has opened the floodgates, and the implications of his statements could reshape the landscape of Formula 1 for years to come. The stage is set, and the world will be watching as Perez embarks on his quest for redemption and reinvention.