Sergio Perez signed with Red Bull for the 2021 season as the team hoped they had found the driver who could help the Austrian team win the constructors’ championship. The Mexican won five races during his four-year stint to help Red Bull win two titles. However, after a difficult 2024 season, Perez left the team by mutual agreement.
Following his departure, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have been placed in the second seat. Lawson lasted two races before being replaced by Tsunoda. The Japanese racer has only managed to score seven points in 12 races, leading Red Bull to trail behind their rivals. With others having struggled before and after his time at the team, Perez has claimed that Red Bull only designs cars for Max Verstappen.
Sergio Perez says Red Bull develops cars that only Max Verstappen can drive
Sergio Perez will rejoin the grid for the 2026 season after taking a year out. The 35-year-old was unable to find himself a seat for this season after a poor showing in 2024. The Mexican finished over 250 points behind his teammate, Max Verstappen. However, Perez told The F1 Show on Sky Sports the reasons behind his disappointing season.
He said, “Obviously, they have a unique talent over there with Max. When you get there, the development curb they have is very difficult for the second driver to adapt to the car. It’s a very unique car, a very unique driving style.
“I managed to survive for many years, but it is difficult. You have seen it with great drivers before and after my time. I think Yuki and Liam have scored 5 [7] points between them. It is very difficult and very tricky, and they’re fantastic drivers. It just has a very unique driving style.
🚨 BREAKING: Sergio Perez has left Red Bull with immediate effect
On this day 4 years ago Red Bull announced that the Mexican will sign for the team ahead of the 2021 season.
Is this the right decision by Red Bull? 👇#F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/kZDRk7dW5I
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) December 18, 2024
“Sometimes I could cope with it, adapt to it. But as soon as there was a variable with rain or the wind, it just became undrivable. Then you start making mistakes, one after the other, and you then lose confidence. Mentally, I was super strong, and that’s why I survived there for so long, because I had a lot of pressure.”
Perez will have taken a lot out of his time with Red Bull, from the victories to learning how to cope mentally under severe pressure. However, he will look to put that chapter behind him and look for a fresh start with Cadillac.
Sergio Perez is looking forward to the Cadillac chapter
After spending a year on the sidelines, Perez is looking forward to getting back in an F1 car. After impressing Cadillac enough for them to sign him, the Mexican is looking to enjoy racing again.
He said, “My main target is to enjoy being back. I had a very difficult year, especially my final year with Red Bull. This is a sport I love, and I want to get back to enjoyment.
Sergio Perez’s 13-Word Response That Changed Cadillac’s Mind About His Red Bull Struggles
“This project just brings me that excitement back because I’m able to put all my years of experience, the different teams I’ve worked with, to try to help this team move forward.”
Perez was brought in due to his experience both in and out of the car. He has experience driving in all parts of the grid, from front-runners like Red Bull to tight midfield battles during his time at Force India/Racing Point. He is also adept at helping develop cars while driving for Sauber and Force India.
Singing Perez could be shrewd business for Cadillac, but will it pay off? After such a disappointing season in 2024 and missing out on a seat for 2025, this will be a big season for Checo. If he can put the disappointments behind him, he will prove to be a good driver for the newcomers
