Perez on Red Bull: 'No Driver Can Survive Next to Max'

Sergio Perez has offered a brutal assessment of his time at Red Bull, asserting that “no driver can survive” in the seat alongside Max Verstappen. Speaking ahead of his 2026 comeback with Cadillac, Perez expressed sympathy for those who have followed him into what he describes as an unforgiving environment, highlighting the unique challenges of partnering with Verstappen at Red Bull.

Why it matters:

• Perez's candid remarks underscore the immense pressure and unique difficulties faced by drivers paired with Max Verstappen at Red Bull, a dynamic that has seen multiple talents struggle to perform consistently.
• This perspective offers valuable insight into the psychological and performance demands within one of F1's most dominant teams, suggesting the issues go beyond mere driving skill.
• The 'revolving door' of drivers at Red Bull since Perez's departure, including Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, seems to validate his point, making his warning a relevant consideration for future prospects like Isack Hadjar.

The Details:

• Personal Experience: Perez, who finished runner-up to Verstappen in 2023, reflected on his own 'turbulent spell' with the team, noting that the challenge extends far beyond raw pace.
• Sympathy for Successors: He feels 'nothing but sympathy' for drivers like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who have since battled to find form in the Red Bull/Racing Bulls seats.
• Direct Quote: Perez told Sky F1, “The minute I signed my exit with Red Bull, when we came to an agreement, I thought, ‘That poor guy who comes here.’
  • He added, “It’s a very difficult place...being next to Max in Red Bull, it’s something people don’t understand.”
• Universal Struggle: Perez believes the difficulty is so profound that even top-tier drivers like Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc would 'struggle massively' if placed in the same position.

Between the lines:

• Perez’s comments suggest that the Red Bull environment, specifically when paired with Verstappen, presents a unique set of challenges—potentially related to car setup, team dynamics, or psychological pressure—that make consistent high performance incredibly difficult for anyone else.
• The implied warning for potential recruits, such as Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, highlights that talent alone may not be enough to thrive in such a demanding role.

What's next:

• As Red Bull continues to evaluate its driver lineup for future seasons, Perez's insights might influence how prospective drivers, and the team itself, approach the highly coveted but incredibly challenging second seat.
• The ongoing struggles of drivers within the Red Bull family will likely fuel further speculation and debate about the inherent difficulties of partnering with a generational talent like Max Verstappen.