Perez on Hamilton & Verstappen as Teammates: It Wouldn't End Well for Hamilton

The rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen is legendary, but the fantasy of them as teammates has been a recurring thought among F1 fans. Sergio Perez, Verstappen's former Red Bull teammate, bluntly states Hamilton wouldn't survive, claiming no driver can truly thrive alongside Verstappen at Red Bull.

Why it matters:

This assertion from a former Red Bull driver offers unique insight into the perceived challenges of being Verstappen's teammate, suggesting that even a seven-time World Champion like Hamilton would struggle. It fuels the ongoing debate about whether Red Bull's car development or Verstappen's sheer dominance is the primary reason for his teammates' difficulties.

The Details:

• Perez's Candid Take: Sergio Perez, who struggled to match Verstappen's pace at Red Bull, believes that no driver, not even Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc, could succeed as Verstappen's teammate.
• 2021 Title Battle: Hamilton and Verstappen famously battled for the 2021 Drivers' Championship, with Verstappen ultimately clinching his first title in Abu Dhabi.
• Teammate Struggles: Perez's performance alongside Verstappen declined, leading to his departure from Red Bull after the 2024 season. His replacements, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, also found it difficult to consistently match Verstappen's pace.
• Car Design or Driver Skill?: Theories abound regarding the struggles of Verstappen's teammates. Some suggest the car is developed specifically around Verstappen's unique driving style, while others attribute it solely to Verstappen's exceptional talent.
• 'Unique Driving Style': Perez emphasized that succeeding alongside Verstappen at Red Bull requires constantly adapting to Max's "very unique driving style," a challenge he believes no driver can overcome.
• F1 2026 Return: Perez is set to return to F1 in 2026 with Cadillac, forming their inaugural driver lineup alongside Valtteri Bottas. He expresses confidence in his abilities, aiming to prove doubters wrong upon his comeback.

What's next:

Perez's return to F1 in 2026 with Cadillac will give him a chance to showcase his talent in a new environment, away from the shadow of Max Verstappen. His comments also underscore the intense pressure and unique challenges that any driver faces when partnered with a dominant talent like Verstappen.