Sergio Perez, the incoming Cadillac Formula 1 competitor, certainly comes across as justified concerning his past engagement with Red Bull.
Perez’s time with the team concluded last season, a consequence of a four-year term alongside Max Verstappen, marked by regular appearances on the podium until a downturn in form materialized soon after the initiation of the 2024 season.
Perez contended with an edgy Red Bull F1 machine, finely attuned to Verstappen’s inclination for oversteer, as the squad was unsuccessful in establishing a level of stability suitable for operational effectiveness by any other pilot.
Considering the prior experiences of Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, Perez perceives the current difficulties encountered by Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda this year as bolstering his image, solidifying his position as Verstappen’s most formidable teammate since Daniel Ricciardo in the 2010s.
“It’s simply about the overarching dynamics within the team,” the Mexican driver conveyed to Sky Sports. “Without question, they possess a singular aptitude there with Max. It presents a considerable challenge for the second driver present to effectively acclimatize to the vehicle.
“It’s an exceptional vehicle, prompting an extraordinarily distinctive driving technique that I successfully, I would contend, navigated for several years. However, it is undoubtedly demanding, and that’s simply the operational nature of things, as evidenced by esteemed drivers predating or succeeding my involvement.
Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
“Evidently, Yuki and Liam have accumulated around five points, or perhaps something of that nature [the correct figure is seven points]. Consequently, it proves exceptionally challenging and quite precarious. They are undeniably stellar drivers, yet the act of maneuvering the car is inherently specific. It’s a truly unique driving paradigm.
“There were instances where I could effectively manage and adapt to the circumstances, yet as soon as an anomaly occurred, such as rain or significant wind, the vehicle would become virtually uncontrollable.
“Subsequently, the commencement of consecutive missteps leads to a depletion of assurance. Nevertheless, my mental fortitude remained considerably strong, thereby elucidating my extended tenure. I encountered substantial duress, with many of you [journalists] focusing upon me. Yet now, there is an acknowledgement of the proficiency I demonstrated with that vehicle and within that team.”
Beyond a playful jab directed toward the media, particularly concerning a driver who endured a sequence of 18 races devoid of podium finishes, despite piloting a vehicle primed for championship victory, and a qualifying record of 1-29 against Verstappen, Perez also disclosed that Cadillac engaged him in preliminary discussions about a potential 2026 F1 role as early as December 2024, “when my departure from Red Bull became apparent.”
However, is there any anxiety that the 35-year-old veteran might encounter difficulties once again upon his re-entry into F1, predominantly considering the introduction of revised regulations? Conversely, Sky Sports referenced remarks provided by Pat Symonds, a long-standing figure within the paddock presently serving as an executive engineering consultant for Cadillac, asserting that the 2026 directives – which he regards as more closely aligned with the 2021 specifications than the prevailing generation of F1 vehicles – will afford a superior fit for both Perez and a struggling Lewis Hamilton.
“The current generation of vehicles utilizing ground-effect mechanisms has proven intricate,” Perez conceded. “Regarding Lewis, we’ve observed his remarkable accomplishments at Mercedes, even when their vehicle lacked competitive standing. I believe it has been difficult for him, nearing the conclusion of one phase and transitioning teams to adapt, although, without a doubt, he is an exceptionally gifted driver who will undoubtedly resolve any challenges.
“As we’ve witnessed across a spectrum of drivers, the critical element resides in adapting one’s driving technique to the characteristics of the vehicle, a process that occasionally necessitates a longer timeframe. I experienced success in previous eras; consequently, I anticipate that the impending regulations will complement my driving approach.”
