The Complex Dynamics of Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez at Red Bull Racing

Sergio “Checo” Pérez, who raced for Red Bull Racing from 2021 to 2024, has characterized his time as Max Verstappen's teammate as "the worst job in Formula One." In a candid interview, Pérez explained that the environment at Red Bull was fraught with tension, stating, “If I was very fast, it was a problem... If I was slower than Max, it was a problem.” He acknowledged that the team was built around Verstappen, with team principal Christian Horner explicitly stating that the project was designed for Verstappen's success. Despite finishing as runner-up in the championship in 2023, Pérez's performance declined in 2024, leading to his departure from the team.

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Pérez expressed a sense of loss regarding the potential of the Red Bull team, stating, “We had the best team... unfortunately, everything was destroyed.” He praised Verstappen's driving talent but also noted challenges in Verstappen's temperament, particularly under pressure. Pérez remarked, “When things go against him, he struggles a lot to deal with it,” highlighting the complexities of their teammate relationship.

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Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, faced a tumultuous 2025 season, narrowly missing out on a fifth title to McLaren's Lando Norris. Despite this setback, Verstappen's performance was marked by significant maturity, as noted by former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. However, the season was also marred by incidents, including a collision with George Russell, which cost him crucial points. Critics argue that while Verstappen may have shown personal growth off the track, his on-track behavior remained impulsive.

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Verstappen's commitment to racing extends beyond Formula One, as he has engaged in GT3 racing and sim racing, demonstrating a deep immersion in motorsport. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised Verstappen's technical feedback and dedication, stating, “He lives, day and night, with motorsport.” This intense focus has contributed to Verstappen's reputation as one of the best drivers in the sport.

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Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Isack Hadjar will join Verstappen as his new teammate at Red Bull. Hadjar expressed admiration for Verstappen's relentless drive for success, stating, “What I find very impressive with Max is that after four world championships, he’s still very, very hungry.” The 2026 season will also see significant regulatory changes in Formula One, with new car designs and engine specifications, which both drivers will need to adapt to.

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Pérez reflected on his time at Red Bull with a mix of gratitude and disappointment, stating, “I gave everything to the team, and Red Bull gave everything to me.” Verstappen, in discussing his relationship with Horner, remarked on the difficulty of maintaining contact after Horner's departure, emphasizing the bond they formed during their successful years together.

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Critics of Verstappen point to his volatile temperament during races, suggesting that his emotional responses can undermine his performance. Pérez's comments about Verstappen's struggles with adversity echo this sentiment, indicating that while Verstappen is a talented driver, his character can complicate team dynamics.

The Max Verstappen movie? Here's what the four-time champ thinks of it

• “I was on the best team, but it was complicated because just being Max's teammate is extremely difficult, but being Max's teammate at Red Bull is the worst job there is in F1. By far,” — Sergio Pérez

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• “I think the downside is his character—when things go against him, he struggles a lot to deal with it.” — Sergio Pérez

New York Times

This analysis of the dynamics between Pérez and Verstappen at Red Bull Racing highlights the complexities of teamwork in a high-stakes environment, where individual talent must align with team objectives.

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