P1racenews AI automatic summary:
“ It doesn’t matter if you bring Hamilton or Leclerc, or whoever you bring there is going to struggle massively.”
Sergio Perez believes that no F1 driver, not even Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc, could excel at Red Bull due to the challenges of being Max Verstappen’s teammate. Perez had a mixed experience during his four-year stint at Red Bull, contributing significantly to Verstappen’s 2021 title win and finishing third in the championship in 2022. Despite winning races early in the 2023 season, Perez faced a downturn in form and was ultimately dropped at the end of 2024. Perez’s concerns have been validated by the struggles of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, reinforcing the difficulty of racing alongside Verstappen. Red Bull has faced difficulties in finding a competitive second driver since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure, leading to constant speculation about Perez’s future and the team’s driver choices. Perez’s insights shed light on the pressures and challenges faced by drivers at Red Bull, making it a formidable environment for any driver, regardless of their talent or experience.
