Why it matters:
Sergio Perez's comments shed light on the inherent challenges of driving the Red Bull car and subtly defend his tenure, especially as his replacements, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, also struggle to find pace.
The big picture:
Sergio Perez, recently announced as a 2026 Cadillac driver, has weighed in on the difficulties faced by Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in the Red Bull second seat this season. Perez was dropped after a tough 2024, scoring only 48 points in the final 17 races, making way for Lawson, who was then replaced by Tsunoda without scoring points. Tsunoda has since managed only seven points in 12 races, with three from the Miami Sprint. Max Verstappen has contributed 187 of the team's 194 points.
The details:
- Perez believes the struggles of Lawson and Tsunoda demonstrate the unique demands of the Red Bull car and validate his own prior performance.
- "It is just the whole dynamics of the team, they have a unique talent with Max and when you get there, the development curve they have, it is very difficult for the second driver to adapt to the car," Perez told Sky Sports F1.
- He described the car as "very, very unique" requiring a specific driving style.
- Perez highlighted the low points tally of Lawson (0) and Tsunoda (7) as evidence of the car's inherent difficulty, despite acknowledging both are "fantastic drivers."
- He reiterated the car's unique handling, especially under variable conditions (rain, wind), which he said could make it "undrivable."
- Perez attributed his long tenure to his "super strong" mental fortitude amidst pressure.
What he's saying:
"Now you realise the job I did in that car and that team."