In a dramatic turn for Formula 1, Sergio Perez, now part of the Cadillac racing team, has shared new insights into the complex personality of his former Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen, revealing a ‘dark side’ that emerges under racing pressure. As the motorsport community prepares for a high-stakes season, Perez’s candid remarks about the Max Verstappen dark side place both drivers in the spotlight, fueling intrigue and debate over what drives success—and tension—within the world’s top racing team.
Perez Reflects on the Pressures of Teaming Up with Verstappen
Sergio Perez’s recent statements have reignited discussions about the immense challenges of competing alongside Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, where he served from 2021 to 2024. The team’s struggles in the 2025 season—with Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda currently rotating through the second seat—have led to renewed appreciation for Perez’s performance during his Red Bull tenure. Before his departure, Perez described the role starkly:
“the toughest seat in all of F1,”
reflecting on the intense scrutiny and pressure every race brought. As Cadillac prepares for its Formula 1 debut, Perez returns, ready to tackle new obstacles and raise the bar for his new team.
Revelations from the Cracks Podcast: Racing Alongside a Prodigy
Appearing on the Cracks Podcast with Oso Trava, Perez opened up about the mental and emotional demands of being Verstappen’s teammate. Despite maintaining a cordial relationship away from the circuit—something Verstappen himself has acknowledged in praising Perez’s skills—competing on track with Verstappen brought moments of high drama and controversy. The 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix stands out as a key example: when Verstappen disregarded team instructions and refused to let Perez pass for vital championship points.
Perez was frank about the psychological dimensions at play, highlighting how Verstappen seems to adopt a different persona when behind the wheel:
“Something happens with Max when he’s behind the wheel,”
Perez shared, speaking of Verstappen’s transformation during critical racing moments.
“He transforms into a different person. I think he had something inside him that he never let out.”
These comments shed light on the mental battles and shifting alliances that can emerge under Formula 1’s relentless pressure.
Memorable Incidents: Brazil and Monaco Under the Microscope
Perez also referenced a controversial episode from earlier in the 2022 season at Monaco, where rumors circulated that he had deliberately crashed to gain a tactical advantage, an incident the team had believed was settled. Perez commented on the tension that lingered:
“We had discussed it and thought we had moved on,”
he noted, revealing how old wounds were unexpectedly reopened in Brazil, igniting fresh friction and adding fuel to the rivalry narrative within Red Bull Racing.
Verstappen’s Temperament and Rivalries with Other Drivers
Perez drew further comparisons between Verstappen’s approach and his heated confrontation with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, suggesting that Verstappen’s mental resilience is a double-edged sword. On one hand, he is a formidable asset, fiercely competitive and driven to succeed:
“Max is incredibly strong mentally and an enormous asset to the team,”
Perez explained. On the other, there are moments when Verstappen’s intensity becomes a vulnerability.
“However, when things go wrong, he tends to withdraw. That’s part of his character, but I believe that without that fire, he wouldn’t be the Max we know.”
These insights speak to the emotional complexity underpinning the Verstappen-Perez dynamic and the broader challenges faced by elite drivers such as Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and the emerging talents of Haas and Alpine.
What Lies Ahead for Formula 1’s Most Complex Competitor?
As the next racing season approaches, Perez’s revelations about the Max Verstappen dark side offer a rare glimpse into the psyche of one of Formula 1’s brightest but most enigmatic stars. The ongoing rivalry between Perez and Verstappen promises to shape headlines, as fans and fellow drivers alike watch to see whether Verstappen can harness his aggression for victory or if inner conflicts will resurface under pressure. With new drivers like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda entering the fray and the Cadillac team preparing for its first season, the sport stands on the brink of fresh storylines and unpredictable twists—making this a pivotal moment for fans around the world and all major teams, from Red Bull to Haas, Alpine, and beyond.
