The Impossible Standard

Sergio Perez has opened up about his challenging tenure at Red Bull Racing, revealing that the team’s singular focus on Max Verstappen created an environment where « everything was a problem » regardless of his performance level. The Mexican driver’s candid comments shed new light on the internal dynamics that defined his four-year stint alongside the four-time world champion.

Speaking on the Cracks podcast ahead of his 2026 Formula One return with Cadillac, Perez addressed the constant criticism he faced during his time at Red Bull from 2021 to 2024. His comments paint a picture of a team structure fundamentally designed around one driver, leaving little room for success in the second seat.

« At Red Bull, everything was a problem, » Perez stated bluntly. « If I was faster than Max, it was a problem. If I was slower than Max, it was a problem. Everything was a problem. »

The 35-year-old explained that outperforming Verstappen created particular tension within the team. « Because, of course, it created a very tense environment at Red Bull. If I was faster than Max, it was a problem, » he emphasized, highlighting the uncomfortable dynamic that emerged whenever he challenged his teammate’s supremacy.

The Verstappen Project

Perez’s revelations align with long-standing observations about Red Bull’s operational philosophy. The team has been criticized throughout the Verstappen era for functioning as a « one-car team, » with the second seat serving as a revolving door for drivers unable to match the Dutchman’s unique driving style and pace.

The Mexican driver acknowledged that Red Bull’s entire program was built around Verstappen’s exceptional abilities. « I was very aware of what I was getting into – I wasn’t arriving at Red Bull to compete against one of the best, » he admitted, recognizing the reality of his position from the outset.

A Conversation with Christian Horner

Perhaps most revealing was Perez’s account of his farewell conversation with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. When Perez was replaced by Liam Lawson for the 2025 season, he questioned Horner about the team’s strategy for the second seat.

This exchange proved prophetic. Lawson lasted just two races before being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who also struggled to deliver consistent results. For 2026, Red Bull has turned to rookie Isack Hadjar as Verstappen’s latest teammate, marking the seventh different driver to occupy that seat since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The statistical reality of Red Bull’s driver imbalance is stark. During Perez’s tenure from 2021 to 2024, Red Bull dominated Formula One with an impressive collection of victories. However, the distribution of those wins tells the complete story of the team’s focus.

Perez’s best season came in 2023 when he finished second in the championship behind Verstappen, helping Red Bull secure their first one-two finish in the drivers’ standings. However, his form deteriorated significantly in 2024, managing just four podiums all season as the team struggled with balance issues that affected both drivers.

The Car Development Philosophy

Perez has suggested that Red Bull’s development approach consistently favored Verstappen’s particular driving characteristics. The Dutchman possesses a unique ability to manage a loose rear end and extract performance from setups that prove undriveable for others.

« As a driver, it’s really difficult to have to constantly think about how to drive, and everything should happen automatically. »

This development philosophy, while maximizing Verstappen’s already exceptional talent, created insurmountable challenges for teammates attempting to adapt their driving styles to match the car’s characteristics rather than the other way around.

The Revolving Door

The rapid turnover of drivers in Red Bull’s second seat underscores the difficulty of the role. Since Verstappen became the team’s lead driver, the following drivers have attempted and struggled to match his pace:

This pattern demonstrates not individual driver failings but rather a systemic issue with how Red Bull structures its team around Verstappen’s extraordinary abilities.

Learning from the Experience

Despite the challenges, Perez emphasized the valuable lessons learned from his Red Bull tenure. « I also learned a lot, right? That, well, the circumstances I’m in, instead of complaining, I have to make the best of it and get the most out of it, » he reflected.

The Mexican driver also suggested that his departure ultimately benefited his career trajectory. « What happened with Red Bull was ultimately the best thing that could have happened to me. Under the conditions I was in, it was extremely challenging to be there. »

A Lost Opportunity

Perez lamented what he sees as a missed opportunity for Red Bull to establish long-term dominance. « We had the best team. Unfortunately everything fell apart. We had the team to dominate the sport for the next 10 years, I think. And unfortunately it all ended, » he stated.

The team’s internal dynamics and constant driver changes may have cost Red Bull constructor championships, particularly in 2024 when McLaren claimed the title while Verstappen struggled with car balance issues similar to those that plagued Perez.

The Cadillac Fresh Start

Perez’s comments come as he prepares for his 2026 return with Cadillac F1, Formula One’s new 11th team. He will partner Valtteri Bottas in what represents a genuine fresh start away from the Verstappen shadow.

Former colleagues have expressed confidence in Perez’s ability to perform in a more balanced team environment. Otmar Szafnauer, his former boss at Force India and Racing Point, stated that Perez is « good enough » for the return, noting that his primary challenge at Red Bull was simply « facing Max Verstappen. »

Isack Hadjar, who will take over the poisoned chalice of being Verstappen’s 2026 teammate, has acknowledged the difficulty ahead while expressing support for Perez. « He’s definitely F1 calibre, that’s for sure, and I hear a lot of positives for him next year, » Hadjar said.

The Broader Implications

Perez’s revelations raise important questions about team structure and driver development in Formula One. While maximizing a generational talent like Verstappen is understandable, the inability to provide a competitive environment for the second driver has consequences.

Red Bull’s constructor championship loss in 2024—their first defeat since 2021—demonstrates the cost of prioritizing one driver over team balance. Had Perez been able to consistently score podiums and occasional victories in 2024, Red Bull might have retained the constructor title despite their car’s balance issues.

The situation also reflects poorly on Red Bull’s driver development program. Despite having a strong junior system that produced talents like Verstappen, Gasly, Albon, and Lawson, the team has struggled to create an environment where these drivers can thrive alongside their star.

Looking Forward

As Red Bull continues with Hadjar for 2026, the pattern looks set to continue. The young French driver faces the same challenge that defeated Gasly, Albon, Perez, Lawson, and Tsunoda: matching Verstappen’s pace in a car designed specifically for his unique driving style.

Meanwhile, Perez approaches his Cadillac opportunity with renewed perspective. Away from the Verstappen comparison and Red Bull’s internal politics, he has a chance to demonstrate that his struggles were circumstantial rather than reflective of declining abilities.

For Formula One observers, Perez’s candid assessment provides valuable insight into the realities of being a number two driver at a top team. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of building a team too exclusively around one driver, no matter how talented.

The question remains whether Red Bull will adjust its approach or continue cycling through drivers in the second seat. Given the team’s recent organizational changes—including the departures of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, with Laurent Mekies now leading the team—there may be opportunities for cultural shift.

However, as long as Verstappen remains at peak performance and the car continues to be developed around his preferences, the challenge for whoever occupies the second Red Bull seat will remain formidable. Perez’s honest reflections ensure that future candidates understand exactly what they’re signing up for.