Sergio Perez has said that racing alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull is almost impossible for any driver. The former Red Bull driver gave a very direct answer, explaining that being next to the Dutchman is extremely tough.

Perez spent four seasons alongside Verstappen. Their most famous battle came in the 2021 season, which ended in a dramatic showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Both drivers arrived at the final race with the same number of points, meaning the winner would take the championship. In the end, Verstappen triumphed and became world champion for the first time, with Perez playing a key role in defending his teammate on the track.

Over time, Perez’s own results began to fall. After the 2024 campaign, he left Red Bull. Liam Lawson replaced him but only lasted two races before Yuki Tsunoda took over. Tsunoda has also struggled to keep pace with Verstappen, showing just how difficult the Red Bull seat can be.

Reflecting on his time at Red Bull, Perez told Sky Sports F1, “The minute I signed my exit from Red Bull, when we came to an agreement, I knew ‘poor guy, who comes here, it’s a very difficult place’. Being next to Max is very difficult, but being next to Max in Red Bull is something people don’t understand.”

He added: “There are so many things I could tell you, but it is simply a very difficult job for a driver. No driver can survive there. It doesn’t matter if you bring Hamilton, Leclerc. Whoever you bring there is going to struggle massively. It’s a very unique driving style. You have to constantly be adapting to the needs of Max. It’s as simple as that.”

Perez is now preparing to return to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac team alongside his new teammate Valtteri Bottas. With their experience and determination, they hope to help Cadillac establish itself as a serious contender on the grid.