Jos Verstappen Rejects Perez Sr.'s 'Unfair Chance' Claim at Red Bull

Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, has strongly refuted recent comments by Sergio Perez's father, Antonio Perez Garibay, regarding his son's time at Red Bull. This dispute highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives within the F1 paddock regarding driver performance and team support.

The Big Picture

Antonio Perez Garibay asserted that if Sergio Perez had an identical car to Max Verstappen, he "would now be the world champion." Jos Verstappen, however, dismissed this, stating that Perez always had the same equipment. "What an idiot that guy is," Jos wrote on X. "He's always been given the same material. But just needs to step on the gas."

The Details

• Sergio Perez raced alongside Max Verstappen from 2021 until the end of the 2024 season, during which Verstappen secured four consecutive Formula 1 drivers' titles.
• Following his departure from Red Bull for the 2025 season, Perez recently announced his return to F1 with Cadillac for their 2026 debut.
• Cadillac's driver line-up for 2026 includes Perez and former Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas.

Perez's Perspective

Perez stated his return to F1 is driven by a desire to "enjoy the sport" rather than to prove anything. He acknowledged the challenge of adapting to Red Bull but emphasized: "I don't think I have anything to prove... To me, it's more of a comeback to enjoy the sport." He added, "I couldn't afford to leave the way I left the sport, and this is why I'm coming back with this new project. I hope it's a very successful one. But amongst that, more than anything, I want to enjoy this comeback."