Brutally honest Perez states 'more problems' started at Red Bull after 'fundamental' figures Newey & Wheatley left

18:10, 25 Jun

Updated: 19:40, 25 Jun

byToby Nixon

Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has stated that Adrian Newey's departure caused a ripple effect, which created 'a lot more problems' at the team.

Perez drove for Red Bull for four seasons and witnessed many changes within the team during his tenure. Specifically, in 2024, which was his final year with the team before he was replaced.

"We didn't dominate in an era like Mercedes, which had an advantage with the engine," Perez stated on the Desde El Paddock podcast.

"Here, the advantage was very small, and we had a great team."

When the ground-effect era started in 2022, Red Bull managed to take advantage of its full package. They won the constructors' title in both 2022 and 2023 before McLaren beat them to the top in 2024.

Perez certain problems began when Newey left Red Bull

"When Adrian Newey left, I think that's when a lot more problems started."

Adrian Newey's departure was first announced on May 1, 2024. The star-designer looked for a new challenge at Aston Martin, where he now works as Aston Martin's managing technical partner.

His decision started another media frenzy around the internal turmoil at Red Bull, which first began after Christian Horner, according to a former female employee, had allegedly behaved in an inappropriate way.

After a positive start to the season, things turned sour for Red Bull with Ferrari and McLaren quickly on their tail. Perez failed to win a race and struggled throughout the course of the year. The Mexican finished on 152 points in eighth place, whilst teammate Max Verstappen won the title on 437 points with nine victories.

Sergio Perez left Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season after a tough year

"Then Jonathan Wheatley left, who was a fundamental part of the team."

Wheatley, who was Red Bull's sporting director, left to become the Sauber team principal. Of course, that meant that he would lead the Swiss team through their transition to the Audi works outfit.

Since Perez's departure, Red Bull's two replacements have failed to impress. Liam Lawson lasted two races with the Milton-Keynes based squad and scored zero points.

He was then replaced by longtime sister team driver Yuki Tsunoda, who has failed to light up the timing sheets. Tsunoda has scored just seven points with Red Bull so far in his first eight races with the team.

Perez also stated that Red Bull now regrets getting rid of him. You can see that article by clicking this link right here.