In a candid and explosive interview, Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez has lifted the lid on the tumultuous final chapter of his career with the Red Bull Racing team. The Mexican star, who departed the squad at the end of the 2024 season, shared startling revelations about internal dynamics, unequal treatment, and a conversation with former team principal Christian Horner that foreshadowed his exit.
Allegations of Unequal Machinery and Upgrade Turmoil
Perez's most striking claim centres on the performance of his car relative to that of his triple-world champion teammate, Max Verstappen. He stated that he was not competing in equal machinery. According to Perez, the team's development path diverged dramatically following his crash with Carlos Sainz at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
The team allegedly ceased providing his side of the garage with car upgrades, diverting all improvements exclusively to Verstappen's car. This move, he suggests, fundamentally compromised his ability to challenge for race wins and contributed to the performance gap that became a central narrative of his final seasons with the team.
A Revealing Conversation and a 'Problem' Culture
Ahead of his departure, Perez engaged in a telling discussion with Christian Horner. He queried what the team's contingency plan was if his potential replacement, Liam Lawson, struggled to match Verstappen's benchmark. Perez recounts that Horner pointed to Yuki Tsunoda as the answer, implicitly accepting that any driver could fail to match the Dutchman's results and face being ousted.
This reflected a broader, pervasive issue within the Red Bull environment, as described by Perez. He asserted that "everything was a problem," regardless of his performance. "If I was faster [than Verstappen], it was a problem," he declared, explaining it created a very tense atmosphere. Conversely, "if I was slower than Max, it was a problem." This no-win situation placed immense psychological pressure on the six-time Grand Prix winner.
Psychological Support and a New Beginning for 2026
When his on-track results initially began to decline, the team referred him to a sports psychologist. Perez revealed this single session came with a substantial £6,000 bill. Later, during the peak of his struggles, he became more open to seeking professional support independently.
Now, with his F1 comeback confirmed for the 2026 season with the new Cadillac project, Perez returns with a fresh perspective. He emphasised a desire to enjoy this next stage with his family and children, adopting a more relaxed approach to the sport. He is prepared for the challenges that will come with a debut campaign but is focused on a healthier balance as he re-enters the Formula 1 arena.
