Sergio Pérez has openly described the experience of being Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing as “the worst job in Formula 1,” a stark revelation following his departure from the dominant team for the 2025 season. The Mexican driver, who struggled with performance in 2024, is set to make a return to the sport with Cadillac, a new entrant to the F1 grid. His candid remarks provide a rare glimpse into the intense internal dynamics of one of motorsport’s most successful outfits.
Pérez’s insights emerged during an interview on the popular Mexican Cracks Podcast, where he detailed the pressures and challenges inherent in partnering with a prodigious talent like Verstappen. He underscored the formidable nature of the role, acknowledging that he was fully aware of the team’s primary focus even before joining.
Pérez on the unique Red Bull dynamic
“I was on the best team, but it was a complicated team, because being Max’s teammate at Red Bull is the worst job that exists in Formula 1,” Pérez stated unequivocally during the podcast. He added, “I knew what I was facing, as this project was made for Max.” This highlights the deeply ingrained structure within Red Bull, where Verstappen was the central figure around whom the team’s development and strategy revolved.
The competitive environment within the team, according to Pérez, made every situation challenging regardless of his performance. “At Red Bull, everything was a problem. If I was faster than Max it was a problem, if I was slower, also,” he lamented. This suggests a constant state of tension and scrutiny, where his individual results were always measured against his teammate’s benchmark, often unfavorably given Verstappen’s exceptional form.
Christian Horner’s frank admission
Pérez recalled a pivotal conversation with then-team principal Christian Horner that set the stage for his tenure at Red Bull. From the outset, the message regarding the team’s priorities was clear and unambiguous. This initial exchange solidified his understanding of the team’s overarching strategy.
“The first time I sat with Christian, he said: ‘we are going to race with two cars because we have to race with two cars, but this project was created for Max, he is our talent’,” Pérez recounted. This direct communication, he explained, left no doubt about Verstappen’s central role within the Austrian team.
The frankness of Horner’s statement underlined that while Pérez was expected to contribute, the primary focus remained on nurturing and maximizing Verstappen’s potential. This perspective shaped the operational environment, influencing resource allocation and strategic decisions throughout Pérez’s time with the team.
A challenging four-season tenure
Despite the described “tense” atmosphere, Sergio Pérez held his position alongside Max Verstappen for four consecutive seasons, from 2021 through 2024. During this period, Verstappen achieved remarkable success, securing three drivers’ championships, showcasing the undeniable dominance of Red Bull Racing. Pérez’s best individual result came in 2023, where he finished as vice-champion in the drivers’ standings, marking a significant personal achievement. However, his final season temporarily concluded with an eighth-place finish in the 2024 championship, leading to his temporary departure from the category.
Cadillac’s new F1 venture in 2025
Looking ahead, Pérez is poised to return to the Formula 1 grid in 2025, embarking on a new chapter with the Cadillac team. This marks a significant move for both the driver and the American automotive giant, which is making its highly anticipated entry into the premier class of motorsport.
Cadillac’s arrival represents a fresh opportunity for Pérez to leverage his extensive experience and contribute to a new project from its foundational stages. His insights into top-tier team dynamics and car development will be invaluable for the nascent team.
Navigating the competitive landscape
The broader Formula 1 landscape is known for its intense competition and relentless pressure on drivers. Every position, from the lead to the back of the grid, demands unwavering focus and peak performance. The intricate dynamics between teammates often play a crucial role in shaping a team’s overall success and internal harmony, influencing development trajectories and race strategies.
Competing against a generational talent like Max Verstappen, who consistently pushes the boundaries of performance, presents a unique and formidable challenge for any teammate. Pérez’s experience offers an unparalleled perspective into the inner workings and expectations of a championship-winning team. His insights illuminate the immense mental and physical toll required to operate at the pinnacle of motorsport while supporting a designated lead driver.
Impact of driver comments
Candid remarks from experienced drivers like Sergio Pérez offer a rare and valuable glimpse into the often-guarded world of Formula 1 team operations. Such statements transcend typical PR narratives, providing fans and analysts alike with a deeper understanding of the realities faced by competitors at the highest level. These frank disclosures contribute significantly to the ongoing narrative of the sport, highlighting both its glamour and its inherent pressures. They underscore the human element within a highly technical and competitive environment.