Perez Reflects on Pressure and Red Bull’s Environment
Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has spoken candidly about the challenges he faced during the latter half of the 2024 Formula 1 season, attributing much of the pressure to the team itself.
In a recent interview with Memo Rojas Jr., Perez expressed his disappointment over Red Bull’s lack of support during a tumultuous period marked by a struggle to develop the car. Despite signing a contract extension that secured his position through 2026, he faced overwhelming speculation and scrutiny regarding his future, which, according to him, was exacerbated by the team’s own high expectations.
"In the end, that’s how the sport is. Decisions were made because there was too much pressure that they themselves ended up creating," Perez commented during the discussion on the Desde el Paddock podcast.
His comments highlight the charged atmosphere within the Red Bull garage, particularly as he noted that this pressure not only affected him but also impacted the engineers and the overall performance of the team.
Following Perez’s departure, Red Bull experimented with drivers Liam Lawson and subsequently Yuki Tsunoda, neither of whom has replicated the expected performance metrics. This has raised questions about Red Bull’s direction, especially after team advisor Helmut Marko attributed the loss of the constructors’ championship to Perez’s inability to meet expectations—a claim he has since retracted.
Perez further revealed insights into team dynamics, indicating that he is aware of regrets expressed by Red Bull regarding his exit.
"I know that deep down they are very sorry, I know that from a very good source," he stated.
He also assessed the technical challenges that arose following key departures within the team, including renowned designer Adrian Newey, noting that this marked the beginning of a downward spiral in performance.
"When Adrian Newey left, I think that’s when a lot more problems started," Perez elaborated.
As the 2024 season progresses and Red Bull finds itself fourth in the standings, the effects of Perez’s exit and the subsequent driver changes continue to unfold. The team, renowned for its success, is currently navigating a critical juncture, with performance scrutiny intensifying as it looks to reclaim its competitive edge.
For motorsport professionals and enthusiasts, the dynamics within Red Bull and Perez’s insights provide essential context as the season evolves.
