Sergio Perez expressed that learning from his former teammate Max Verstappen helped shape him into a faster Formula 1 driver.
While Sergio Perez’s time at Red Bull had a rocky ending, the Cadillac driver still took plenty of lessons from his time with the team and with Max Verstappen.
The Mexican driver started driving for Red Bull in 2021 and spent four years with the team before a year on the sidelines. The 2026 season saw him come back, this time with the new team on the grid, Cadillac.
Recently, Perez went on the High Performance podcast, where he spoke highly of learning from Verstappen. While he admitted the Red Bull seat did not come without hardships, he still admired the Dutchman’s leadership and direction.
“Being four years next to Max [Verstappen], he’s a driving force,” Perez said.
“Although he has all the support you can dream of as a racing driver, Max is a tremendous force, a tremendous, complete driver in all areas.”
“It really taught me how to lead the team as well. Max is a pure leader in how he pushes everyone around him in performance. He knows exactly what he needs to go quick and where he’s lacking.”
Perez on Verstappen’s “unique” skills
To say Perez’s time with the Milton Keynes-based team was tumultuous would be right. He experienced success with the team, helping secure two Constructors’ Championships, but he also had to settle for being the second driver. While there is no doubt he played a big part in assisting the team and Verstappen secure championships, his time with the team did not lead to his own title.
Despite this, Perez believes the lessons he learned there helped him become a better driver.
“He’s a tremendous hard worker as well. So, learning that from Max and seeing that firsthand for four years in very different cars, that has definitely made me a faster driver.” He continued.
Speaking on what makes the four-time World Champion successful, Perez explained: “Pushing the team in a certain direction, giving them the direction, not many drivers can do that.
“Telling them exactly where we are lacking and how we can get there is something very, very unique that I’ve learned.”
As Perez praised, Verstappen’s unique ability to know exactly how to push the team forward is something even F1 viewers often see.
Whether it is the Dutchman explaining what feels wrong with the car during Free Practice or pointing out the RB22’s behaviour, there is no doubt that Verstappen’s attention to detail is special.
Even though Perez might be experiencing difficulties at Cadillac at the moment, as the team is still getting used to being on the grid, hopefully he can help lead the team in a better direction.
READ MORE: What to expect from Formula 1 after the summer break
Discussion about this post