Montoya: Red Bull Was the Best Thing to Happen to Perez's Career

Juan Pablo Montoya has weighed in on Sergio Perez's Red Bull tenure, offering a reminder that the team was instrumental in his career success. Despite Perez's complaints about an "unmanageable" car, Montoya argues that the five wins he secured with Red Bull far outweigh the downsides of being the number-two driver to Max Verstappen, providing a platform that elevated his status in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Montoya's perspective directly challenges the narrative that Perez was treated unfairly by Red Bull, reframing his stint as a net positive. It highlights the perennial F1 dilemma for drivers: is it better to be the #2 at a winning team or the #1 at a struggling one? This view is especially relevant as Perez prepares to transition from a supporting role at a top team to a foundational leadership position with a brand-new outfit.

The details:

• Winning Argument: Montoya pointed out that five of Perez's six career Grand Prix wins came with Red Bull, a level of success he likely wouldn't have achieved elsewhere.
• Knowing the Deal: The former champion stated that while Perez can complain about the car, "he knew what he was getting into" regarding his role as Verstappen's teammate.
• The #2 vs. #1 Debate: Montoya posed a direct question, suggesting any driver would "rather be number two at Red Bull or McLaren than number one at Alpine in 2025, or Haas."
• Elevated Status: He concluded that despite the public criticism, "Red Bull have really given Checo a big status" within the sport, a legacy that extends beyond just race results.

Looking Ahead:

Perez is now set to become a veteran leader for the incoming Cadillac team in 2026, a stark contrast to his time at Red Bull. His experience navigating the pressures of a top team, both the highs of victory and the lows of political struggle, will be invaluable. The Mexican driver has already expressed his desire to see out his career with Cadillac, aiming to build the new American team into a competitive force and leave a lasting legacy.