Sergio Pérez reveals the brutal truth of racing alongside Max Verstappen

Sergio Pérez spills the beans on life with Max Verstappen

Sergio Pérez has laid bare what it’s like to share a garage-and a car-with Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion who dominates every session.

The Mexican driver, speaking in a recent interview, described the relentless pace and mental strain of racing alongside the Dutchman at Red Bull Racing. Pérez’s remarks follow another season where Verstappen claimed race wins while Pérez fought for scraps. The contrast between the pair’s fortunes has become a talking point across Formula 1.

What did Pérez actually say?

Pérez didn’t hold back. He admitted the pressure of keeping up with Verstappen’s qualifying times is “like chasing a ghost.” The Mexican also joked that his teammate’s ability to extract extra tenths from the car makes every lap feel like a battle just to stay in the same race.

“It’s not just about the car,” Pérez said. “It’s about how Max pushes it every single lap. You see him go out and suddenly the gap’s two seconds. And you’re left thinking, ‘How is that even possible?’”

The comments came after Pérez’s struggles in recent races, where he’s finished outside the podium places while Verstappen converted pole positions into victories.

Why this matters for Pérez-and Red Bull

For Pérez, the remarks underscore the widening gap between him and his teammate. Verstappen’s 2025 title defence has seen him outpace Pérez by an average of 0.4s per lap in qualifying this season. That gap translates to race deficits that are often insurmountable.

Red Bull’s management insists Pérez remains vital to the team’s success. But his comments risk fueling questions about his future at the squad. The Mexican is under contract through 2026, yet the pressure to deliver results grows with each race.

And the timing couldn’t be worse. With the summer break looming, Pérez faces a crucial stretch where a strong run could silence critics-or deepen doubts about his place alongside the sport’s most dominant driver.

What happens next?

Pérez heads to Hungary next weekend for the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he’ll aim to close the gap to Verstappen in qualifying. The Mexican has called the track “one of the trickiest” on the calendar, but added that’s exactly where he needs to prove himself.

Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, has repeatedly backed Pérez. But after another season of Verstappen’s dominance, the spotlight is shifting. If Pérez can’t turn the tide in Hungary, the whispers about his future may grow louder.

For now, Pérez’s honesty has given fans a rare glimpse into the pressures of life as Verstappen’s teammate. Whether that honesty helps his cause remains to be seen.