Sergio Perez has claimed that Red Bull designs its Formula 1 cars specifically to suit Max Verstappen’s driving style, making it nearly impossible for any teammate to compete on equal footing. The Mexican driver, who raced alongside Verstappen for four seasons between 2021 and 2024, suggested that even a driver of Lewis Hamilton’s caliber would struggle in such a setup. Perez’s comments shed light on what many in the paddock have long suspected — that Red Bull’s dominance is built around Verstappen’s preferences.
During his tenure with the team, Perez frequently found himself trailing behind the Dutchman despite showing flashes of strong performance. Verstappen’s precision, adaptability, and consistency allowed him to extract the maximum from a car seemingly tailored to his unique handling style. Meanwhile, Perez often struggled to match his teammate’s pace, which only fueled speculation that Red Bull’s development process prioritized Verstappen’s feedback over his own.
The disparity in results ultimately cost Perez his seat at the end of the 2024 season. Red Bull’s management, led by then-team principal Christian Horner, opted for change and promoted young driver Liam Lawson to partner Verstappen. The move was seen as both a strategic refresh and an acknowledgment that Perez had reached his limit within the current team dynamic.
Reflecting on his experience, Perez acknowledged the difficulty of competing in a team so centered around one driver. “The car is made for Max,” he reportedly said, adding that the engineering focus and driving setup align almost exclusively with Verstappen’s style. This, he argued, creates an environment where others are set up to fall short — regardless of talent or experience.
Perez’s remarks offer a candid glimpse into the inner workings of Formula 1’s most dominant team. While Verstappen’s skill is undeniable, the revelation underscores how critical car design and development direction can be in shaping championship success. For Perez, the experience was both a challenge and a lesson in how modern F1 teams operate when built around a generational talent.
About the Author
