Sergio Pérez Describes His Time with Verstappen as the Worst Job in F1
The Mexican driver Sergio "Checo" Pérez, who is preparing to return to the grid in 2026 with the Cadillac team, has offered a candid assessment of his time at Red Bull. Pérez claims that being the teammate of the Dutchman Max Verstappen for four seasons was the most difficult position within the world championship. 🏎️
A Role Designed for Another Star
According to the driver, Red Bull's operational structure during his tenure was specifically configured to boost the four-time champion Verstappen. This internal dynamic, where technical and strategic decisions consistently prioritized the number one driver, deeply conditioned his own position. Pérez points out that this limited his real options to compete for the title, beyond his individual performance at each circuit.
The Challenges of Being the Second Driver in a Dominant Team:- Operating within a structure that is not balanced equally for both drivers.
- Facing technical and strategic limitations that primarily benefit the team's lead driver.
- Handling external and internal pressure from being perceived as an official performance benchmark.
"Being Max Verstappen's teammate is the worst job in Formula 1." - Sergio Pérez
Looking Toward a New Chapter with Cadillac
His statements come as he focuses his career on a new project with Cadillac. Pérez now seeks an environment where he can unleash his full potential, away from the shadow cast by the Red Bull driver. This return to F1 represents an opportunity to redefine his trajectory in the premier category.
Keys to His Next Stage:- A new team where internal dynamics are yet to be defined and built.
- The pursuit of an environment that allows competing on equal terms within the same team.
- The goal of proving his worth without the constraints of a predefined role as number two driver.
Reflection on Team Dynamics in the Elite
Pérez's testimony sheds light on the complex reality that can exist within elite teams when one driver is openly prioritized. His experience suggests that, in top competition, the term "teammate" sometimes masks a very specific support role, designed to maximize the success of the main figure. This reflection opens the debate on how resources and opportunities are managed within Formula 1's top teams. 🏁