Sergio Perez has opened up about major tensions with Red Bull Racing and his teammate Max Verstappen, sparking renewed discussion about the Sergio Perez Red Bull controversy ahead of his 2026 return to Formula 1. After four seasons with the team, Perez shared explosive comments regarding the environment he faced during his partnership with Verstappen from 2021 to 2024.
Inside the Strained Partnership at Red Bull Racing
Following a difficult 2024 campaign and subsequent replacement, Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez is preparing to join the new Cadillac team in 2026. However, before shifting focus to his future, Perez recently took the opportunity on a podcast to describe the challenges he encountered at Red Bull Racing, including claims of favoritism towards Verstappen, the four-time series champion. Perez described it as the
“worst job in F1, by far,”
emphasizing the high-pressure atmosphere surrounding his role as Verstappen’s teammate.
“At Red Bull, everything was a problem,”
Sergio Perez said, referring to his time with the team. He pointed out that his performance, whether strong or weak compared to Verstappen, constantly created issues and an “intense environment” within Red Bull. According to Perez:
“Because, of course, it created a very tense environment at Red Bull. If I was faster than Max, it was a problem. If I was slower than Max, it was a problem. So everything was a problem.”
– Sergio Perez, Driver
Results, Replacement, and Reflections on Team Dynamics
Throughout his four-season stint with Red Bull, Perez secured five race victories and finished as runner-up in the 2023 drivers’ championship. Despite these accomplishments, Perez was replaced after coming in eighth in 2024, while McLaren clinched the constructors’ championship—an outcome that left Red Bull narrowly missing the title.
“Unfortunately, it all ended, but I was in the best team, in a complicated team, right?”
– Sergio Perez, Driver
Perez’s statements indicate the emotional complexity of working with Verstappen. He elaborated, describing the unique challenge of that particular seat:
“And well, everyone forgot, right? When I arrived at Red Bull, I started getting results, everything. Everyone forgot how difficult it was to be in that seat.”
– Sergio Perez, Driver
Throughout Verstappen’s 9.5 seasons at Red Bull, he has had seven different teammates, including Isack Hadjar who steps into the role for 2026. The consistent turnover suggests that Verstappen’s extraordinary driving style and uncompromising approach create an environment not every driver can endure. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s own rising profile was reinforced by his fourth straight championship in 2024—contrasting with Perez’s struggles that year and adding further tension around the Sergio Perez Red Bull controversy.
Perez Looks Forward to a New Start With Cadillac
Next, Sergio Perez will partner with Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas at the start-up Cadillac Formula 1 team in 2026. Bottas is known for his professionalism and positive reputation within the paddock. Perez is expected to face less pressure in his new role, as Cadillac enters with limited expectations compared to the lofty goals at Red Bull.
The revelations from Perez expose ongoing questions around driver dynamics and team culture within leading F1 organizations. With new challenges awaiting both Perez and his former team, the Sergio Perez Red Bull controversy will likely continue as a point of interest among fans and analysts as the sport heads into its next phase.
