Perez: Even Hamilton Would Struggle Alongside Verstappen at Red Bull

Sergio Perez, reflecting on his challenging tenure at Red Bull alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen, suggests that even a driver of Lewis Hamilton's caliber would find it incredibly difficult to succeed in that specific role. Perez, who will return to F1 in 2026 with Cadillac, believes the unique pressures and car characteristics at Red Bull make it an exceptionally tough environment for any teammate.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's struggle to find a consistent second driver who can match Verstappen's performance has been a recurring theme. Perez's insights highlight the unique challenges of partnering with an generational talent like Verstappen in a team seemingly optimized around him, raising questions about whether any driver could genuinely thrive in that environment. This perspective offers a look into the intense dynamics within top F1 teams and the specific demands placed on drivers.

The details:

• Perez, who is set to depart Red Bull at the end of 2024 and return to F1 with Cadillac in 2026, shared his candid thoughts during the Mexico Grand Prix weekend with Sky Sports F1.
• He stated, "I don’t like to criticise the drivers, because I was in that position. I know exactly what they’re going through... The minute I signed my exit with Red Bull when we came to an agreement, I knew that ‘poor guy who comes here’, because I managed to survive. It’s a very difficult place."
• Perez emphasized the difficulty isn't just being next to Max, but "being next to Max in Red Bull, it’s something that people don’t understand."
• He controversially claimed that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton would "struggle massively" and that "There is no driver who could survive there. It doesn’t matter if you bring Hamilton or Leclerc, or whoever you bring, they are going to struggle massively."
• According to Perez, the mental strain of constantly having to adapt to the car's demands while battling a teammate like Verstappen is immense, making it "a very difficult job for a driver."

The big picture:

Red Bull has consistently dominated with Verstappen at the helm, but the gap to their second driver has often been substantial. This has led to speculation about whether the car itself is inherently more suited to Verstappen's driving style or if the pressure of competing against him is simply too great. The team has seen multiple drivers—including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and now Perez—struggle to consistently perform at the same level, despite many of them excelling elsewhere in F1. This pattern points to a systemic challenge that goes beyond individual driver talent.

What's next:

As Perez prepares for his eventual return with Cadillac in 2026, his successor at Red Bull for the 2025 season will face immense scrutiny. Liam Lawson initially replaced Perez for the 2025 season, only to be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after just two race weekends. This revolving door highlights the ongoing difficulty in finding a compatible and competitive teammate for Verstappen. The team's ability to develop a car that can be effectively driven by two top-tier talents will be crucial for their long-term constructors' championship aspirations, especially as the grid becomes more competitive.