Perez, who partnered Verstappen for four seasons from 2021 to 2024, endured a turbulent final campaign that saw him finish eighth in the drivers\u2019 standings before parting ways with the team. Yet, he insists his own struggles only highlight how tough it is to succeed alongside the Dutch triple world champion. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe minute I signed my exit from Red Bull, when we came to an agreement, I knew - poor guy, who comes here, it\u2019s a very difficult place,\u201d Perez told reporters on Thursday. \u201cNo driver can survive there. It doesn\u2019t matter if you bring Hamilton, Leclerc. Whoever you bring there is going to struggle massively. It\u2019s a very unique driving style. You have to constantly be adapting to the needs of Max. It\u2019s as simple as that.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Mexican explained that Verstappen\u2019s dominance and Red Bull\u2019s car setup leave little room for anyone else to thrive. \u201cBeing next to Max is very difficult, but being next to Max in Red Bull is something people don\u2019t understand,\u201d Perez said. \u201cThere are so many things I could tell you, but it is simply a very difficult job for a driver.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Verstappen\u2019s reputation as F1\u2019s ultimate \u201cteammate killer\u201d has only grown over the years, with the likes of Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and most recently Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda struggling to adapt to the Dutchman\u2019s relentless pace. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite occasional friction during their time together, Perez and Verstappen maintained a respectful relationship, and the Mexican had nothing but admiration for his former teammate\u2019s current form. Verstappen has surged back into the 2025 title battle, closing in on McLaren\u2019s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMax has been the action of the year. He\u2019s keeping everyone watching F1,\u201d Perez said. \u201cSomehow, they have transformed the season and with McLaren messing around, he has a chance of getting it done. I think he\u2019s the driver who deserves the championship the most because he\u2019s been driving phenomenally.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now preparing for a comeback with Cadillac, Perez is eager to end his career on his own terms - and prove that he still has plenty left to give. \u201cIt took me about six months before I knew I wanted to come back,\u201d he said. \u201cI wanted to come back to finish my career properly. At the same time, I felt, does it really matter? If I don\u2019t get the right project or motivation to come back, I was not even going to consider it for a second.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMax has been the action of the year. He\u2019s keeping everyone watching F1,\u201d Perez said. \u201cSomehow, they have transformed the season and with McLaren messing around, he has a chance of getting it done. I think he\u2019s the driver who deserves the championship the most because he\u2019s been driving phenomenally.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Formula 1\u2019s thrilling 2025 title fight resumes next weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil, featuring a Sprint weekend from November 7\u20139. <\/p>\r\n\r\n