Formula 1 News: Perez – Even Hamilton Would Struggle Beside Verstappen at Red Bull
Sergio Perez (pictured) has lifted the lid on the brutal reality of being Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, suggesting that even Formula 1 legends like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc would “struggle massively” in the same seat.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 ahead of his 2025 return with Cadillac, Perez reflected on his four-season stint alongside Verstappen—a period in which the Dutchman clinched four consecutive world titles. Despite Perez’s own pedigree, he admits the challenge was unlike anything else in the sport.
“No driver can survive there,” Perez told Sky Sports F1. “You have to constantly be adapting to the needs of Max. It’s as simple as that.”
“The moment I signed my exit from Red Bull, I thought, ‘Poor guy who comes next,’” Perez said. “It’s a very difficult place—not just because of Max, but because of how the team operates around him. People don’t understand how tough it really is.”
Perez pointed to Verstappen’s radically aggressive driving style, which demands a car setup so extreme that few others can handle it. “You have to constantly adapt to Max’s needs. It’s a very unique style. No matter who you bring—Hamilton, Leclerc—they’re going to struggle. It’s as simple as that.”
The Mexican driver’s comments come after a rocky 2024 season that saw him finish eighth in the standings and lose his seat. Yet the struggles of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull car this year have only reinforced how unforgiving the environment can be.
Verstappen’s reputation as F1’s ultimate “teammate killer” is well-earned. Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were dispatched quickly before Perez arrived, and Lawson lasted just two races before being replaced by Tsunoda, whose own future now hangs in the balance.
Despite occasional friction, Perez and Verstappen maintained a respectful working relationship. But Perez’s candid remarks underscore a deeper truth: Verstappen’s brilliance doesn’t just win races—it warps the competitive landscape around him.
