Sergio Pérez is finally speaking out about his time at Red Bull, and he is not holding anything back. In a recent podcast with Oswaldo Trava, Pérez described his four years at the team as a mental battleground. He claims that the entire organization was built around Max Verstappen, leaving the second driver in a position where they simply could not win. Whether he was faster or slower than Max, it caused problems within the garage. This matters because it gives us a rare look at how the top team in the world actually operates behind closed doors. It is a reminder that in high-stakes sports, being on the best team does not always mean you are in the best situation for your career.
A brilliant team but a single man project
According to Pérez, his very first conversation with team principal Christian Horner set the tone for his entire stay. Horner reportedly told him that while the team ran two cars because the rules required it, the “project” was entirely for Max. This is a massive admission. It means that from the moment Pérez signed his contract, he was already playing a supporting role in someone else’s story.
For a professional athlete, this is a tough pill to swallow. Pérez realized early on that the car and the strategy would always favor Verstappen’s driving style and needs. Instead of complaining, he says he tried to be a team player, but the “tense environment” made it difficult to maintain his confidence. This explains why we often saw his performance drop off in the middle of a season. If the team is not fully behind you, it is nearly impossible to stay at the top of your game.
What was the hardest part?
Pérez was very clear about one thing: being Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull is the worst job in Formula 1. It is not just about competing against one of the greatest drivers in history; it is about doing it in an environment that is designed to make that driver succeed at your expense. He believes that even legends like Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc would struggle to survive in that garage.
As we all have seen by now, Red Bull has a history of “burning through” second drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon. By speaking out, Pérez is confirming what many fans have suspected for years: the problem is not necessarily the talent of the second driver, but the system itself. It is a warning to any young driver who thinks that a seat at Red Bull is a dream come true. In reality, it might be a career-ending move.
About the move from Red Bull to Cadillac
The good news for Pérez is that he has found a fresh start. After a year on the sidelines in 2025, he is returning to the grid in 2026 with the new Cadillac team. He will be partnering with Valtteri Bottas, another driver who knows exactly what it is like to play second fiddle to a world champion. Pérez says he has his “spark” back and is excited to lead a project where he is valued for his experience rather than just his ability to help a teammate.
This move is a win for both Pérez and Cadillac. The new team gets a veteran who knows how to win races and develop a car, and Pérez gets to end his career on his own terms. He mentioned that he wants to leave the sport with a smile on his face, something that seemed impossible during his final months at Red Bull. For fans, it will be fascinating to see how he performs in an environment where he is finally treated as a priority.
