Sergio Pérez: Red Bull Role Toughest in F1

Sergio Pérez, the Mexican Formula 1 driver, has described serving as Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull from 2021 to 2024 as the toughest job in the sport. In a recent interview on the Cracks podcast, Pérez recounted the intense pressures of the role, where team dynamics and car development heavily favored the Dutch driver, leading to his departure at the end of last season despite two years remaining on his contract.

Pérez joined Red Bull in 2021, aware of the challenges ahead. He recalled his first meeting with team principal Christian Horner, who laid out the priorities plainly. "Look, we'll race with two cars because we have to, but this project was created for Max. Max is our talent," Horner told him, according to Pérez. The driver accepted the position, focusing on contributing to the team's success while competing against one of Formula 1's top talents.

During his tenure, Pérez achieved notable results, including five Grand Prix victories and finishes of fourth in 2021, third in 2022, and second in 2023. He played a key role in Red Bull's constructors' championship wins and Verstappen's four consecutive drivers' titles. However, Pérez highlighted how the environment...