Sergio Pérez reveals Red Bull’s harsh Verstappen-focused system

Sergio Pérez has given a rare and candid look into his four-year stint as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, calling the team’s system 'built for Max' and warning future partners that 'the system will break you.' The Mexican driver, who left Red Bull in 2024 after a disappointing eighth-place finish in the championship, shared his experiences on the High Performance Podcast, revealing the intense pressure and internal struggles he faced while playing second fiddle to Verstappen.

What did Sergio Pérez say about Red Bull’s structure?

Pérez admitted he knew exactly what he was signing up for when he joined Red Bull in 2021. 'It was great, it was fantastic,' he said. 'I knew I was going into a project built for Max at Red Bull. When they signed me up, it was very clear. I knew what I’d signed up for.' He recalled his first meeting with team principal Christian Horner, who told him, 'We go racing with two cars because we have to, otherwise we’d be super happy to race with one car.' Pérez took this as a challenge rather than a slight, saying, 'Instead of me thinking ‘You know what?’ I thought I’ll come here and make the most of it in all regards.'

How did Pérez perform under pressure?

Despite the team’s clear focus on Verstappen, Pérez delivered strong results, securing six wins and helping Red Bull win two constructors’ titles while Verstappen claimed four drivers’ championships. His most famous contribution came at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he held up Lewis Hamilton, allowing Verstappen to win the title. However, Pérez also faced criticism, including from Verstappen himself, who refused to help him secure second place in the 2022 drivers’ standings.

Why did Pérez leave Red Bull?

Pérez’s time at Red Bull ended in 2024 after a disappointing season where he finished eighth in the championship. He took a year off in 2025 before returning to Formula 1 with Cadillac. Reflecting on his departure, Pérez said, 'It was a fantastic four years. I think I overdelivered, and only once I left and they brought in the other drivers, they realised the job I’d done for them the last four years.' He also noted that his engineering team remained with him throughout his tenure, something he was 'extremely proud of.'

What’s next for Pérez?

Pérez remains close with his former teams, including Red Bull and Aston Martin, and maintains his credibility and gratitude for the opportunities they provided. When asked if Verstappen would have won the title with Pérez as his teammate in 2025, Pérez said, 'You never know. For me, on a personal level, I’m still big friends with everyone at Red Bull, everyone at Aston Martin. It’s important that I keep my credibility and my gratitude.'