Overview
- Sergio Pérez says “everything was a problem” at Red Bull, claiming tension arose whether he was faster or slower than Max Verstappen.
- He recounts Christian Horner telling him from the outset that the Red Bull project was created for Verstappen, shaping expectations for the second seat.
- Pérez argues car development trended toward Verstappen’s driving style, saying he lost confidence as upgrades arrived and his performances declined in 2023–2024.
- He says he warned Horner the team would burn through successors; after Pérez’s exit, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda rotated through the seat, with Isack Hadjar set to partner Verstappen in 2026.
- Pérez is confirmed to return to Formula 1 in 2026 with Cadillac on a multi-year deal alongside Valtteri Bottas.