Sergio Perez Reveals Why Drivers Flop at Red Bull and Celebrates New Contract
Sergio Perez, the steely Mexican driver, has boldly claimed that there’s a specific reason why other drivers have failed to thrive at Red Bull. Perez made this statement as he inked a two-year extension with the team, ensuring his seat with the race giants through the 2026 season.
On Tuesday, Red Bull made it official: Perez will continue to race alongside superstar Max Verstappen into a sixth season. This pairing is now a mere 30 races away from becoming the longest-serving teammates in Formula 1 history, a significant milestone in an ever-evolving sport.
During the seasons between Daniel Ricciardo's departure at the end of 2018 and Perez’s arrival in 2021, Red Bull experienced a revolving door of drivers. Pierre Gasly, who endured a tumultuous 12-race stint with the team in 2019, was swiftly replaced by Alex Albon. Although Albon showed promise, he struggled with the RB16 car in 2020, paving the way for Perez’s entry.
During a candid discussion at Imola, Perez was asked about his unique contributions to the team compared to his predecessors. While he refrained from explicitly criticizing past drivers, he hinted at underlying reasons behind their lack of success.
“I don’t think it’s fair from my side to speak on other drivers, but I think there’s a reason and some reason behind why Red Bull doesn’t work for everyone,” Perez stated.
The challenge of being Verstappen’s teammate is an immense one. Perez acknowledged this, expressing how Max’s consistent excellence is both a trial and a motivational force.
“It’s quite hard obviously being teammates with Max. I’m sure if I had a different teammate you would be shining more, but at the moment it’s a great challenge to have,” said Perez. “He’s the best driver, very complete, very rarely makes mistakes, and it’s great to have a teammate like that.”Such dynamics have forced Perez to push his limits and strive for perfection every race weekend.
Despite the inherent pressure of competing for a top team like Red Bull, Perez dismissed the notion that the uncertainty of his contract had put additional strain on him. He explained that pressure is a constant companion in Formula 1.
“I think Formula 1 is always pressure regardless of if you’ve done a deal or not,” he explained. “Because you always have to perform. Especially Red Bull, it’s a very heavy-pressure environment.”-
Moreover, negotiating contracts amidst a busy racing schedule does add its own stressors.
“It can be a little bit stressful to be doing negotiations while we’ve got so much work to do on weekends when we are back in the simulator.” However, Perez seems to handle it with a clear head and steely resolve.
With this new contract, Perez looks forward to consolidating his position within the team and continuing to fight for victories alongside Verstappen. As Red Bull gears up for F1’s next rules reset, having such an experienced and formidable duo bodes well for their strategic ambitions.
Perez’s insights shed light on the high-stakes, high-pressure world of Formula 1, where team dynamics and individual tenacity intersect to create champions. His journey at Red Bull, marked by resilience and adaptability, could be a blueprint for future F1 hopefuls navigating the turbulent waters of a top-tier team.