Sergio Perez has opened up on the difficulties of being the team-mate of three-time world champion Max Verstappen
Sergio Perez has revealed that “there are reasons why” drivers often struggle at Red Bull, and that it is “super spicy” being alongside Max Verstappen.
The Mexican driver has rarely been able to match Verstappen for a consistent period and is viewed as the Dutchman’s number two.
Unlike Verstappen, Perez’s performances have often varied. In 2023, he matched the reigning world champion in the opening handful of races, before enduring a miserable run of form.
Some in the past have even judged the second Red Bull seat as cursed, given that every driver to have occupied it alongside Verstappen has struggled.
“It’s not fair if I’m going to speak for other drivers, but there are reasons why Red Bull doesn’t work for everyone,” Perez told select media including RacingNews365.
“Being Verstappen’s team-mate is super spicy. I’m sure I would have stood out more often if I had another team-mate. However, it is a fantastic challenge. Max is the best driver, he is complete and makes few mistakes.
“It’s great to have a team-mate like that, because you know you have to push to the limit and finish perfect weekends to beat him.”