Sergio Pérez has broken his silence following his departure from Red Bull Racing, delivering a series of pointed criticisms toward his former team and ex-teammate Max Verstappen during an extensive podcast interview. The Mexican driver, who will join the new Cadillac Formula 1 team for their 2026 debut, held little back in his assessment of the pressures and dynamics that defined his final seasons at the Austrian outfit. His father, Antonio Pérez, publicly celebrated the candid remarks, describing the interview as the finest his son has ever given.
Pérez details intense pressure at Red Bull Racing
During his appearance on the CRACKS podcast, the multiple Grand Prix winner outlined the relentless environment he faced at Red Bull Racing. According to Pérez, the team’s internal culture created a no-win scenario regardless of his performance level. When updates arrived and his pace dropped relative to his four-time world champion teammate, the blame inevitably fell on the driver rather than the machinery or setup philosophy.
The 35-year-old explained that being faster created its own set of complications, generating what he described as a “very tense atmosphere” within the squad. Conversely, any deficit to Verstappen prompted immediate scrutiny of his focus and external commitments, including commercial obligations. Rather than protesting these conditions, Pérez acknowledged he adapted his approach to extract maximum value from a challenging situation.
Verstappen’s personality shift questioned by former teammate
The interview took a particularly notable turn when Pérez addressed his relationship with Max Verstappen and a specific incident that appears to have lingered in his memory. The departing Red Bull driver suggested that Verstappen undergoes a transformation when he enters the cockpit, becoming a markedly different person from the individual he is in the paddock.
Pérez specifically referenced an incident in Brazil where Verstappen declined to follow team orders, an episode that caught the entire Red Bull operation off guard. According to the Mexican, both he and the team believed that particular matter had been resolved through internal discussions. The decision to ignore the instruction revealed something Verstappen had been carrying internally, a revelation that surprised everyone who thought the issue had been put to rest.
Father celebrates candid approach
Antonio Pérez, himself known for outspoken commentary on Formula 1 matters, expressed clear satisfaction with his son’s willingness to speak openly about his Red Bull experience. Taking to his social media channels, the elder Pérez declared the podcast conversation “the best interview in the life of Checo Pérez,” a public endorsement that underscores the family’s approval of the driver’s decision to address these topics directly rather than through diplomatic language.
The remarks represent a significant departure from the measured responses typically offered by drivers while under contract or immediately after leaving a team. Pérez’s frankness about internal dynamics, performance pressure, and team culture at Red Bull provides rare insight into the operational reality at a championship-winning organisation.
Looking ahead to the Cadillac project
Pérez now shifts his focus entirely to the Cadillac Formula 1 programme, where he will serve as one of the founding drivers for the American manufacturer’s 2026 entry. His extensive experience across multiple teams and proven race-winning ability position him as a crucial asset for a squad entering the championship’s complex technical and sporting landscape.
The Mexican’s tenure at Red Bull produced six Grand Prix victories and multiple podium finishes, though his inconsistent qualifying performances and occasional race-day struggles relative to Verstappen ultimately led to his replacement by Liam Lawson for the 2025 season. His willingness to discuss these challenges openly may serve the Cadillac project well, bringing hard-earned lessons from the sharp end of the grid to a team building its identity from scratch.
