Perez Reveals Psychological Strain of Red Bull Tenure Alongside Verstappen

Sergio Perez has disclosed the significant mental toll of partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull, revealing he engaged a psychologist after the team repeatedly attributed his on-track difficulties to psychological factors.

The Mexican driver, who rejoined the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac in 2026 after a year away from the championship, offered fresh perspective on his turbulent four-year spell with the Milton Keynes-based squad.

Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Perez detailed how the pressure of competing against the four-time champion within an environment entirely structured around his teammate became increasingly difficult to navigate.

Describing the unique challenge of occupying the unforgiving second Red Bull seat, Perez said: “It’s very tough. I think the only reason I survived there for so long was, first of all, how I built my character. So for me, it was like peanuts, and being in that position and accepting.

“I think you have to accept what position you are in, and you cannot over-push the system too much because they just break you. Also, I was completely on my own at Red Bull in terms of management.

“I felt there was not much we could do with the system. This is what you get given, and that’s really it.”

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB18

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

When asked whether he felt supported during his tenure at Red Bull from 2021 through 2024, Perez added: “I felt supported to a certain point. The team was behind me, and Christian [Horner] and Helmut [Marko] would be happy if I won a race and so on.

“But at the end of the day, they would tell me the whole project is done for our driver, and our driver is Max. So, for me, it was clear, and I accepted that. I just tried to make the most of it.”

Perez revealed he sought psychological support at the team’s suggestion. “I sought outside help because they pushed me for it,” he said. “At Red Bull, it was funny; every time you didn’t deliver, there were some mental issues. So, I thought I was open to trying anything.”

He added: “I did it because I felt like it would show the right attitude for the team and that I was willing to do anything to overcome these issues.”

Source link